Aruna Turay, AYV News, July 25, 2025
The collapse of the Matenhu Bridge along the Makeni-Kamakwie Highway, as a result of floodwaters, has severely disrupted daily life and trade for the people of Karene and Bombali districts.
Since the temporal bridge that was fixed by the government was swept away weeks ago by heavy rains, traders, residents and visitors along that route have been facing numerous challenges, including the loss of their goods.
This has resulted in an increase in prices of essential goods due to transportation disruptions, and citizens are now calling for the government’s intervention to restore connectivity.
The situation emphasises the importance of prioritising infrastructure development and sustainability.
The road connecting Makeni to Kamakwie has suffered from serious neglect for nearly two years, largely due to the collapse of a vital bridge between Matenhu and Gbendembu. Despite the hardship this has caused, there has been no visible intervention from the government or relevant authorities. This ongoing inaction is deeply affecting the lives of people in Karene and Bombali districts.
Transportation costs have soared, forcing families to stretch already limited resources. The rising cost of food and essential goods—especially during this rainy season—is making life even harder for households struggling to survive.
A woman trader stranded with her goods on the highway said, “This is not the Sierra Leone we strive for. A nation’s growth depends heavily on reliable infrastructure that supports mobility, trade, and access to services. We are therefore making an urgent call to all stakeholders—especially government representatives, local authorities, and concerned citizens of Karene and Bombali districts—to treat this situation with the seriousness it deserves. Immediate action must be taken to repair and restore this critical road network for the safety and well-being of our people”.
