Residents of Moyamba Township and Shenge are expressing profound frustration over the unexplained delay in the construction of the vital Moyamba-Shenge road, a project initially contracted nearly five years ago that remains undelivered despite allocated funds of Le 9.6 billion. The situation has raised serious questions about transparency and accountability in public infrastructure projects in the region.
The road, intended to connect Sierra Leone’s richest fishing community to key economic districts, was awarded to PT Company Sierra Leone Limited in November 2020 under the supervision of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA). With an original completion date set for April 2021, the project has yet to commence, leaving the road in increasingly dire condition and heightening travel risks for residents
Community representatives have voiced their concerns through platforms like the Make Kagboro Great Foundation, emphasizing that the road’s neglect reflects broader marginalization of Kagboro Chiefdom. Shenge, which serves as a critical hub for fish supply to markets in Bo, Kono, and Moyamba, remains largely inaccessible by land, forcing residents to rely on perilous sea routes. This dependency had tragic consequences in September 2009, when nearly 250 people lost their lives in a boat accident between Shenge and Tombo.
A community leader, Hon. Sesay, did not mince words: “This project was a sham. The people of Kagboro deserve better. The contractors failed to deliver, yet the money vanished.” The sentiment is widely shared among residents, who are demanding clarity on how the allocated funds were utilized and why the government has not intervened to rectify the situation.
The Sierra Leone Roads Authority, tasked with overseeing the project, has not provided public updates or explanations for the delay. This has fueled speculation about financial mismanagement and insufficient oversight, prompting calls for involvement from civil society organizations and the Anti-Corruption Commission.
The Moyamba-Shenge road’s deterioration has tangible economic repercussions. By hindering the transport of fish and other goods, it disrupts livelihoods and limits access to regional markets, exacerbating poverty in a community that has long contributed significantly to Sierra Leone’s food supply .
Despite promises made during President Julius Maada Bio’s 2023 campaign stop in Shenge, there has been no visible progress, deepening residents’ distrust in political commitments. The community is now urging youth groups, civil society, and national authorities to demand accountability and prioritize the road’s construction to affirm the dignity and economic potential of Kagboro Chiefdom.
As infrastructure delays continue to stifle development in Sierra Leone, the plight of Shenge underscores a pressing need for transparent governance and community-centered public investment.
