Karena Cries Out To President Bio

By Alusine Daybreak

Residents of Karena District are appealing to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), and other relevant government institutions to urgently intervene in the deplorable situation surrounding the collapsed of Matheiu Bridge, a critical transport link connecting Makeni to Kamakwie and surrounding communities.

The appeal is being led by Karena District Chairman Abdul Kandeh Turay, alongside other stakeholders, who are calling on the government to recognise the seriousness of the situation and allocate the necessary funds for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the damaged bridge.

For the people of Karena District, the Matheiu Bridge is more than just a physical structure. It is a vital link that supports transportation, trade, access to essential services, and the movement of people and goods between communities. Its collapse has reportedly created significant difficulties for residents, traders, farmers, transport operators, students, patients, and other members of the public who depend on the route for their daily activities.

Rainy Season Worsens the Suffering of Residents

The situation becomes particularly challenging during the rainy season, when communities face increased difficulties travelling between Karena District and other parts of the country. With the bridge no longer serving its intended purpose, movement along the Makeni–Kamakwie corridor has become a serious concern for residents and road users.

The collapse has raised concerns about the isolation of communities, the transportation of agricultural produce, and the delivery of essential goods and services. For many residents, what should be a normal journey can become a costly and stressful experience, particularly when heavy rainfall makes road conditions more difficult.

The effects are also being felt in the cost of living. Traders and transport operators who encounter difficulties moving goods may face additional transportation expenses, which can ultimately be reflected in the prices consumers pay at local markets. As a result, residents already struggling to meet their daily needs may find themselves paying more for food, essential commodities, and other necessities.

Farmers could also face challenges transporting their produce to markets, potentially affecting their income and reducing the availability of agricultural products in some communities. When transportation links are disrupted, the consequences extend beyond road users to affect the wider local economy.

In response to the growing concerns, Karena District Chairman Abdul Kandeh Turay and other stakeholders are appealing to President Bio to give urgent attention to the collapsed Matheiu Bridge.

They are calling for the government to treat the reconstruction of the bridge as a matter of public importance and to ensure that the necessary financial resources are made available for the project.

The stakeholders are also urging the Sierra Leone Roads Authority to assess the situation, determine the scale of work required, and work with the relevant ministries and government agencies to establish a practical plan for restoring the bridge.

Their appeal reflects the concerns of communities that rely on the Makeni–Kamakwie route for commerce, education, healthcare, agricultural activities, and social interaction. They believe that restoring the bridge would help ease transportation difficulties and improve the movement of people and goods across the affected areas.

For residents of Karena District, the request is straightforward: they want a safe, dependable transport connection that allows them to go about their daily activities without the additional hardship caused by the collapsed bridge.

A Major Concern for Trade and Economic Activities

Road infrastructure plays a crucial role in economic development, particularly in districts where farming, trading, and small businesses provide livelihoods for many households.

The disruption caused by the collapsed Matheiu Bridge threatens to make business activities more difficult. Traders transporting goods between Makeni, Kamakwie, and surrounding communities may have to contend with delays, higher transportation costs, and other logistical challenges.

Small-scale businesses, which often operate with limited financial resources, may be especially vulnerable to these additional expenses. When the cost of moving goods increases, businesses may struggle to maintain affordable prices while protecting their already limited profit margins.

Farmers, too, depend on reliable roads to move produce from rural communities to larger markets. Delays and transportation difficulties can affect the freshness and market value of perishable goods, leaving farmers at risk of financial losses.

Against this background, the reconstruction of the Matheiu Bridge should be seen not only as an infrastructure project but also as an investment in the livelihoods and economic prospects of the people of Karena District.

Access to Healthcare and Education at Risk

The importance of the bridge extends beyond commercial activities. Reliable road access is essential for residents seeking medical attention, students travelling to school, teachers moving between communities, and families attending to urgent personal matters.

When a major transport link is disrupted, patients may face longer and more difficult journeys to reach healthcare facilities. In emergencies, delays in transportation can create additional risks for people who require prompt medical attention.

Students and teachers may also encounter difficulties travelling, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Such challenges can affect school attendance, punctuality, and the general delivery of educational services.

These concerns underline why the rehabilitation of the Matheiu Bridge deserves urgent consideration from the authorities. A functioning bridge can contribute to improved access to essential services and help communities remain connected throughout the year.

Call for Urgent Assessment and Funding

Chairman Abdul Kandeh Turay and the other stakeholders are therefore calling on President Bio, the SLRA, and relevant government institutions to move beyond expressions of concern and take practical steps towards addressing the problem.

They want the bridge assessed, the necessary engineering and financial requirements established, and adequate funding allocated to facilitate its reconstruction.

They are also calling for clear communication with affected communities regarding the government’s plans and the expected steps towards restoring the route. Such engagement would help residents understand what action is being taken and provide reassurance to people who have endured transportation difficulties.

Where full reconstruction cannot begin immediately, the authorities could also assess whether safe temporary access arrangements are feasible, subject to professional engineering advice and public safety requirements.

However, any temporary measure should not replace the long-term objective of restoring a safe and reliable bridge capable of serving the needs of the district.

Government Attention Needed Now

The situation surrounding the Matheiu Bridge highlights the importance of maintaining roads and bridges that connect communities to markets, schools, hospitals, and economic opportunities.

For Karena District, the bridge is a vital connection whose disruption has placed additional pressure on residents and businesses. The rainy season makes the situation even more concerning, as difficult travel conditions can increase the burden on communities that already face transportation challenges.

President Bio’s government, together with the Sierra Leone Roads Authority and other relevant institutions, is therefore being urged to give the matter the attention it deserves.

The people of Karena District are not simply asking for another development promise; they are calling for practical action to address a problem that affects their daily lives. They want to see the necessary resources mobilised, the rehabilitation process initiated, and a lasting solution delivered.

As Abdul Kandeh Turay and other stakeholders continue to raise concerns over the collapsed Matheiu Bridge, the central message from Karena District is clear: the bridge must be restored to ease the suffering of residents, support local businesses, improve access to essential services, and reconnect communities along the Makeni–Kamakwie corridor.

The people are looking towards President Bio and the relevant authorities for urgent intervention, hoping that their appeal will receive the necessary attention and lead to concrete action.

For the residents of Karena District, restoring the Matheiu Bridge is not merely about rebuilding infrastructure. It is about restoring access, reducing hardship, supporting livelihoods, and ensuring that communities are not left struggling because of the loss of a vital transport link.