Combema Residents Cry for Intervention as Diversion Route Turns Impassable in Kenema District

Residents of Combema community in the Kenema District are calling for urgent government intervention after the diversion route connecting the area to nearby towns and business centers became completely impassable for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Community members say the once-functional alternative road, created to ease transportation challenges, has deteriorated significantly due to poor maintenance and continuous erosion. The situation has worsened particularly during the rainy season, leaving the route filled with large potholes, muddy sections, and damaged stretches that make movement extremely hazardous.

According to residents, motorbike riders, drivers, traders, school children, and pregnant women are among the most affected groups, as they struggle daily to access essential services and nearby communities. Many describe the road as a “death trap,” citing frequent vehicle breakdowns and pedestrians being forced to walk through muddy water and slippery paths.

A resident who spoke to this reporter described the situation as frustrating and dangerous, noting that vehicles often get stuck in the mud while pedestrians are left with no safe alternative route.

Commercial transport operators have also raised concerns, saying the road condition is damaging their vehicles and reducing their daily income. Some drivers and motorbike riders have reportedly abandoned the route entirely due to safety concerns and the high risk of accidents.

The poor state of the diversion route is also said to be affecting local economic activities, healthcare access, and school attendance. Traders transporting goods to markets report losses caused by delays, higher transportation costs, and reduced mobility.

Residents of Combema are now appealing to the government, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders to urgently rehabilitate the route before the situation worsens further. They warned that continued neglect could potentially isolate the community, especially during heavy rainfall periods.

They are calling on the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, the Kenema City Council, and the Road Maintenance Fund Administration to swiftly assess the damage and provide a lasting solution to restore safe movement for both pedestrians and motorists.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mustapha Koroma, a resident of Combema and the Kenema District Chairman of the Traders Union, blamed the Simbaru Construction Company for delays in commencing proper work on the route. He, however, commended the Pavi Fort Construction Company for what he described as a voluntary effort to help maintain the diversion road.

Other residents echoed similar concerns, accusing Simbaru Construction Company of failing to regularly maintain the diversion route, a situation they say has worsened the hardship faced by the community.

In addition, some civil society activists are demanding answers from the RMFA and Kenema City Council on whether the contract for the project was properly advertised and subjected to a competitive bidding process before being awarded.