SLRA Completes 442.86km of Roads and 56 Bridges

SLRA Completes 442.86km of Roads and 56 Bridges

The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has achieved a significant milestone in national infrastructure development by constructing and rehabilitating a total of 442.86 kilometers of roads and completing 56 bridges across the country between 2018 and 2025.

Ing. Alfred J. Momodu, Director General of the SLRA, disclosed this information during a stakeholder engagement at the Kono District Council Hall. He noted that while road construction represents one of the government's most capital-intensive initiatives, progress has been secured through strategic prioritization and phased implementation. "We prioritize strategically," Ing. Momodu stated, acknowledging the necessity of a structured approach.

Ing. Momodu categorized the road network into trunk, secondary, urban, and feeder roads. While feeder roads receive support from development partners, the SLRA has concentrated efforts on the trunk, secondary, and urban categories. A core objective has been the establishment of comprehensive connectivity between all district headquarters and the enhancement of inter-district mobility, including the vital Kenema to Kono route. He specifically cited improvements to Kono's urban roads, which are facilitating greater mobility and stimulating commercial activity within the district.

Over the same seven-year timeframe, the SLRA has overseen the construction of over 56 bridges, including 18 major structures critical to the national transport network. Ing. Momodu explained that these projects are financed through collaborative funding, combining government counterpart contributions with support from development partners.

Addressing the scale of the undertaking, Ing. Momodu urged citizens to recognize the magnitude of the ongoing infrastructure work. "If you compare this seven-year period with previous ones, the scale of the work is remarkable. Road infrastructure is fundamental to economic transformation," he asserted.

In his remarks, Hon. Chernor A. Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education, emphasized that consistent communication between the government and its citizens is crucial for fostering trust and ensuring that development projects align with community requirements. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment involving officials and local residents.