By Mahamood Fofana
President Julius Maada Bio has proposed expanding the Masiaka, Makeni, Magburaka Highway, describing the project as a strategic investment that would improve connectivity between Sierra Leone’s northeastern region and the rest of the country.
Speaking during the Presidential Town Hall at the University of Makeni Auditorium on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, President Bio said upgrading the highway would facilitate the movement of people and goods, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic growth across the region.
He also encouraged private sector participation in assessing the feasibility of developing the road into a dual carriageway through a public-private partnership (PPP). According to the President, any such arrangement, including the possible introduction of a toll system, should be based on transparent negotiations and formal agreements to ensure value for money and the long-term sustainability of the project.
The proposal came in response to a question from a participant during the interactive Town Hall, which was organised to allow residents to engage the President directly on issues affecting their communities and to discuss key national development priorities.
The announcement was welcomed by many attendees, who applauded the proposal and described it as a potentially transformative initiative for the northeastern region. Some observers, however, noted that the project would require significant planning, financing, and implementation, making it a long-term undertaking.
If realised, the expansion of the Masiaka, Makeni, Magburaka Highway would represent one of the most significant road infrastructure projects proposed for northern Sierra Leone, with the potential to strengthen regional connectivity, facilitate trade, attract investment, and support broader economic development.
