February 20, 2019
By Joseph S. Margai
Minister of Works and Public Assets: Raymond De’souza George
Minister of Works and Public Assets, Raymond De’souza George, has disclosed to this medium that plans were underway to construct bridges across the rivers where people use ferries as means of transportation.
The local ferries, which are found at strategic river crossing points (in Batkanu, Ferry Masampa, Mattru Jong, etc.) in the provinces, have been operating without engines for decades now. The ferries are pulled by some ‘strong’ men who are employed by one of the Ministry’s’ agencies-Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA).
This seemingly dangerous means of sea transportation is not only putting the lives of provincial passengers in danger, but also posing serious challenge for inhabitants in urban areas to access the only international airport located at Lungi, Kafu Bullum Chiefdom.
Raymond De’souza George, who was speaking to Concord Times on Monday (11th February, 2019) at his New England Ville office, west of Freetown, said recently his ministry has repaired some ferries in the provinces.
“What I see in those ferries is the bravery by which they were made and the manner at which the men pull them to get vehicles and passengers across those rivers. But the long term plan is to have bridges in all the areas that we have those ferries, so as to enhance the comfortable movement of people and goods,” he said.
The minister said plans were also underway to construct bridges at Mabang and Rogbere, adding that government’s determination was to expand road network in order to ease the movement of people and goods.
He disclosed that work on the Hillside Bye-Pass road has resumed and that construction work on all road projects across the country was in progress.
With regards the construction of Moyamba junction-Moyamba road, the works minister disclosed that he has visited the project site twice and that there has been massive improvement on the work.
He also disclosed that the construction and rehabilitation of roads in Bonthe Municipal Island were ongoing, with the contracting company -First Tricon- already mobilising its equipment.
Minister Desouza George said having signed a performance contract with President Bio at State House recently, he came back and engaged his staff so as to put them on their toes to meet set-targets.
“We want every staff to perform their responsibilities at various levels. We must work together relentlessly to advance government’s agenda. We have also tasked ourselves to be making quarterly reports on what we have achieved,” he said.