Largo bridge in Kenema District; a death trap for residents
The state of Largo Jassawabu Bridge in the Kenema District
A famous bridge known as the Largo Bridge over the Kenja River, located in Largo Jassawabu Town in
Nongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District about, 12 kilometres from Kenema City is currently in a dangerous
state for residents and also pedestrians. Largo is a big town situated on the highway between Kenema, Panguma, and Tongo Field leading to Kono District respectively which makes the Bridge very important for the people of Kono and Kenema Districts.
According to findings by this medium, it is understood that two years ago, a tree fell over the said Bridge
thereby causing some minor damages that were left unattended. And since then, the damage has been
extending gradually. Speaking to Beyond Borders, Amara Jeffery, who doubles as the deputy youth leader of Largo Jassawabu, disclosed that local authorities of the town and other would-be affected areas have made several reports to the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, the District Council, and other stakeholders in the district to salvage the situation but all please fell on deaf ears. “The new government has tried a lot in other parts of the country, but I wonder why our deplorable road condition is still not considered,” Amara Jeffery lamented. He explained that on the 6 of May this year, a truck of timber nearly fell over the Bridge as a result of the current condition of the Bridge, adding that there is presently a very narrow way used as a passage for such a busy road which endangers people’s lives and more especially children and other pedestrians.
The Women’s Leader, Madam Baindu Musa, disclosed that their hearts are troubled because of the current state of the Bridge. “Our children are not like adults who can think logically. We are asking the President and other stakeholders to do something about this before a serious problem occurs here shortly,” Mad. Baindu cried. Beyond Borders Media discovered that Sierra Diamonds Mining Company in Tongo Field, Lower Bambara Chiefdom, is putting measures in place to get an alternative to cross the Kenja River while a further decision on how to either amend or construct a new bridge is under consideration.
By Mohamed Amara Gando
