By Mahamood Fofana
Residents of Makeni City in the Northern Province have renewed calls for the Government of Sierra Leone to urgently rehabilitate the O.I.C Road, warning that its deteriorating condition continues to disrupt transportation, threaten public safety, and hinder access to educational institutions and other essential services.
The road, which serves as a vital link for thousands of residents, connects several communities and provides access to key institutions, including the O.I.C Technical and Vocational Institution and the MCA Primary and Secondary Schools. Community members say years of neglect have left the road in a deplorable state, creating daily challenges for motorists, pedestrians, traders, and school-going children.
According to residents, large potholes, eroded sections, and poor drainage have significantly reduced the road’s usability, particularly during the rainy season. They explained that heavy rainfall often turns portions of the road into muddy and waterlogged stretches, making movement difficult and, in some cases, nearly impossible.
Drivers who frequently use the route say the poor road condition has resulted in increased vehicle maintenance costs due to frequent breakdowns and damage to suspension systems, tyres, and other vehicle components. Commercial drivers have also reported spending more time and fuel navigating the damaged sections, expenses that are often transferred to passengers through higher transportation fares.
“The condition of this road is affecting everyone. Drivers are struggling, passengers are paying more for transport, and schoolchildren are finding it difficult to get to school safely, especially when it rains,” a local resident explained.
Parents and community leaders have expressed particular concern about the impact on students who rely on the road every day to attend school. They warned that children are often forced to walk through muddy sections, stagnant water, and damaged pathways, exposing them to health and safety risks.
Several parents noted that during periods of heavy rainfall, some pupils arrive at school late or miss classes altogether because of the challenges associated with using the road. Others said the situation affects teachers and school staff who also depend on the route to access their workplaces.
Community stakeholders believe that rehabilitating the road would not only improve transportation but would also support education, local commerce, and overall development in the area. They emphasized that better road infrastructure would facilitate easier movement of goods and services, reduce transportation costs, and improve access to healthcare facilities and other social amenities.
Residents further argued that the road’s strategic importance extends beyond the institutions located along it, as it serves numerous households and businesses that contribute to the local economy.
“The road is very important to this community. Improving it will make life easier for residents, support businesses, and create a safer environment for our children,” another community leader stated.
The appeal comes amid ongoing efforts by the government to improve road infrastructure across various parts of the country. Residents are hopeful that the O.I.C Road will be included among priority projects requiring immediate attention.
They have therefore called on the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, local authorities, development partners, and other relevant stakeholders to intervene swiftly and address the longstanding concerns surrounding the road.
For many residents, the rehabilitation of the O.I.C Road represents more than just a construction project. They view it as an investment in education, public safety, economic growth, and the overall well-being of the Makeni community.
As calls for action continue to grow, residents remain optimistic that government authorities will respond to their concerns and take the necessary steps to restore the road to a condition that adequately serves the needs of the people.
