By alimamy.jalloh@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In a recent stakeholders’ meeting, the Portee and Rokupa communities, East of Freetown, were confronted with complex twists hampering the progress of a crucial road project funded by the World Bank. Locals demanded clarification and expressed concerns about the lack of comprehensive information provided by local representatives.
Stakeholders underscored that the local committee members failed to substantiate properly the details of the proposed road construction, which is said to be financed by the World Bank. They emphasized the need for a more thorough explanation.
According to local stakeholders, the road construction had already been surveyed by CIMAT, coupled with a visibility study on soil assessment for both upper and lower Rokupa and Portee Wharfs.
During the engagement at the Sierra Leone Muslim Brotherhood Primary School (SLMB) Wharf road, Portee, Christopher A.A. Jones, a community stakeholder, welcomed the project announced during the first meeting of the twelve committee members in the community. However, he stressed the importance of presenting documents to enhance local understanding and connectivity to the project.
Jones further observed that landlords and landladies, particularly those whose properties will be affected by the road construction, play a pivotal role and should be kept thoroughly updated. He emphasized that these landowners would need to contribute land space for the road’s construction.
The Chairman of the twelve-man committee, Alimamy Sahid Bangura, assured stakeholders that the World Bank, funding the project, had committed to sending a representative for comprehensive engagement with landlords and the community. The road construction is slated to begin from Portee junction, Zara Lane, Portee Wharf, and extend to Rokupa lower and upper, close to Bai Bureh road.
Committee members also disclosed that, in collaboration with the Freetown City Council, the road construction aims to provide access to the recently built clinic in Rokupa and Portee, now in operation. Additionally, provisions for water taps are expected to enhance other aspects of community development.
Former Councillor, Madam Fatmata Cecilia Williams, and Chief Ampeace Kamara of Portee Wharf stated that most shanty residents along the proposed road project’s route will be demolished. These residents have been informed through letters distributed a few months ago. AJ/10/3/2024