By Mahamood Fofana
Growing frustration is mounting among residents and road users in Makeni over the deteriorating condition of the Makeni-Makama Road, with communities calling on authorities to move beyond temporary repairs and deliver a complete rehabilitation of the critical route.
The road, located in Bombali District, serves as an important link to several institutions and communities, including the Makeni Government Hospital, NASSIT office, Makeni City Plaza, FAWE School, Makama, New Jersey and New York communities. Residents say its poor condition has created daily challenges for commuters, motorists, commercial bike riders and pedestrians who rely on the route.
For years, the road has suffered from deep potholes, damaged drainage systems, narrow sections and inadequate safety measures. During the dry season, residents complain of excessive dust affecting nearby communities, while heavy rains often turn potholes into dangerous pools of water that make transportation difficult and unsafe.
Residents argue that the condition of the road has become more than a transport issue, pointing to its impact on healthcare access, especially for pregnant women and emergency patients travelling to the Makeni Government Hospital, the largest referral hospital in the Northern Province.
Abie Nancy Sesay Conteh, Advocacy and Communication Officer for the National Commission for Children North, previously raised concerns about the dangers associated with travelling on the road, recounting her experience of losing a five-month pregnancy while seeking medical attention along the route.
A longtime resident of IB Kargbo Drive, who has lived in the area for 12 years, said several people have suffered serious consequences because of the road’s condition.
“Pregnant women have experienced terrible situations on this road. There was a time when a woman lost her leg because of the condition of the road. Some have gone into early labour or suffered miscarriages,” she said.
Another commuter expressed concern that rehabilitation efforts often appear when high-profile visits are expected, rather than as part of a long-term maintenance plan.
“I am happy that work has started, but the question is whether this will last. We need a permanent solution, not repairs that only happen from time to time,” he said.
Recent grading activities on the road have generated some optimism among residents, but many remain cautious, insisting that the government should undertake a comprehensive reconstruction project capable of serving the growing needs of Makeni City.
The contractor currently working on the road declined to comment when contacted by this newspaper.
Community members are now urging the government and relevant authorities to prioritize a durable rehabilitation programme that will improve transportation, protect lives and support economic activities along one of Makeni’s most important corridors.
