Moyiba Community is situated in the eastern part of Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, with approximately over fifty thousand residents, predominantly youth.
For over two decades, these residents have been plagued by a deplorable road condition, which has prompted some to express their dismay over the situation that has lingered for more than twenty years.
Speaking to this medium, the section chief of Moyiba Community, Chief Yaraba Bangura, described the current condition of Moyiba Road as a death trap. He explained that the road is the only access route linking the entire community to major roads in the city. Chief Yaraba further highlighted that dangerous accidents have occurred on the road due to its poor state, leaving many disabled, while the community remains significantly underdeveloped.
“Roads are very significant in the development of countries and communities, and they enhance the beauty of cities,” Chief Yaraba said.
He noted that several important personalities have refused to live in the community due to its deplorable road condition.
Chief Yaraba Bangura revealed the extent of their engagement with authorities, especially the government, over the dilapidated condition of Moyiba Road, and how they have sought help for the construction of the only access road in the community.
“The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has an office nearby, and we have had several meetings with them over the years regarding the poor condition of the road. Till date, nothing tangible has been done to salvage the situation,” Chief Yaraba explained.
He also explained the World Bank promised to fund the construction of Moyiba Road, build drainages, sanitation among others, after a visit from its Task Leader, Francis Nkoka to the community an engagement which was widely publicized at the time. However, despite follow-up meetings and discussions over the years, the project is yet to materialize, leaving residents feeling abandoned.
He asserted that the terrible road condition has crippled the community in terms of social transformation and economic viability, especially during the rainy season.
Chief Yaraba further affirmed that Moyiba Community has over ten primary schools and more than five secondary schools aimed at providing quality education to pupils. He noted that a good number of these pupils live outside the community and must travel on the said road to access education. Many, he said, have been involved in road accidents that forced them to discontinue their studies. He added that the community is vulnerable, and the poor road condition has even restricted the police from carrying out night patrols aimed at curbing crime.
Foday K. Conteh, Chairman of the PWD Old Road Bike Riders, confirmed in an interview with this press that during the rainy season, the road is filled with mud and potholes, leading to serious accidents, especially among his members who use the road for commercial purposes. He continued that the poor road condition has affected their daily livelihood and caused distress among business people, school-going pupils, university students, and the elderly in the community.
“The number of road crashes by bike riders along the road on a monthly basis, especially during the rainy season, is worrisome, given the poor condition of Moyiba Road,” Chairman Foday noted.
He further revealed that, in collaboration with some vibrant youth organizations in the community, they have been embarking on continuous ball patching of the road in order to maintain it. He stressed that the government needs to consider Moyiba Community when it comes to development.
Both community leaders climaxed their concerns by appealing to the government and relevant stakeholders to redeem the community from this unfortunate situation, especially during the rains.
By: Ibrahim Bakarr
