Speaking to newsmen in Freetown, the consortium revealed that government of Sierra Leone and its development partners, EU, ADB and others are fully committed to financing the construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of roads in the country.
According to the Consortium, more trunk and feeder roads are been constructed, maintained and rehabilitated within the country under the leadership of the APC, adding that movement of people, goods and services are now more quicker from point to point than any other period in Sierra Leone.
In addition, the Consortium further states, more four lane roads and two way bridges are been built to accommodate heavy duty vehicles and that government’s ability and willingness to pay compensation to road project affected communities have increased, coupled with the drive to national and rural development are gradually been guaranteed due to the expanded road network especially in rural communities.
“The road link to neighboring countries increases trade and family connectivity, more development activities follows the road networks, more jobs are been created for youth in rural community particularly those with skills, more market store are been erected by women and other traders along the road corridors and local contractors are been empowered and equipped to build more roads in the country.”
However, the Consortium recommended that in view of the findings and threats to Sierra Leone’s road sector developments, R4D-SL recommends that the government limit the number and kilo meters of roads to be contracted for Construction per year. This is to avoid delay in the Construction period due to delay GOSL finances and numerous other priorities of expenditures.
In addition, it recommended that government through its agencies SLRA, RMFA ensure that standard and durable works are done according to specification, that disclosure by publication of all contracts awarded must be instituted as this will allow monitoring and report by other stake holders including Civil Society among other things.
