February 24, 2021
By: James Kamara-Manneh
The Director General of Sierra Leone Road Authority Engineer Amara Kanneh said that the newly constructed Savage Street Bridge will last for 100 years or more. He made this disclosure at the opening ceremony on 23rd February, 2021 at Savage Street, Freetown.
The DG Kanneh continued that the bridge is well fortified with modern form of construction. He said the bridge was constructed in four different layers and with a provision of a foot for pedestrians. He expressed appreciation on behalf of the government of Sierra Leone to the China Railway Seven Group (CRSG) for their service.
Ing. Kanneh also disclosed that the cost of the Savage bridge is about ten billion Leones, which he equated to be less than a million dollar. He further called on the road users to ply the bridge carefully and ensure that heavy duty trucks are resisted from using the bridge.
When answering to questions about the statements he made to the media recently that the government is in discussion to extend on the newly constructed bridge, he said it is timely to have it open to the public considering the huge traffic congestion within the city and the inconveniences it has been causing. He further stated that the government is still in active discussion for rehabilitation of more bridges within the country.
Speaking of behalf of CRSG Manager, Jiang Hua Wei said working in Sierra Leone is a delight couple with lots of experiences. Mr. Wei said he appreciate the support from the government.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Works, Hon. Bashiru Sidikie applauded the timely intervention of the Chinese construction team for their good work, as it is visible. He called on the government of President Bio to hastily rehabilitate other bridges that are in serious need of construction. He admonishes the government to continue to show care for citizens’ life as everyone is important in the development of the state.
Speaking as a representative from the government, Hon Minister of Works and Public Assets, Peter Bayorku Conteh told the resident of Savage Street that the newly constructed bridge should be their property and that utmost care must be shown for it. He appreciated the Ministry of Finance, noting that their support was critical for the completion of project.
Minister Conteh told the audience in attendance that the Regent Road will be completed in March; second phase of the hill bye pass road is undergoing reconstruction as well as Lumley-Tokeh road, Moyamba-Moyamba Junction, among other road projects. He called on the government to continue their financial support towards road construction.
The Savage Bridge connects St. John to Brookfields in neighborhood of three schools located at 60 meters radius. Savage Street Bridge is one of Sierra Leone’s oldest bridges in the country that collapsed in 2020 causing the death of a squatter who lived under the bridge and injuring one Okada motorbike rider.
Speaking to residents around the Savage street around, one Mariama Cole told A-Z that she has resided within the area for 30 years and she is happy today to witness the opening of the bridge. She promised to be watchful and will be swift to report any wrong to the Police. 60yrs old Pa Johnson said they have been praying for the bridge to be rehabilitated, but today it is a newly constructed one given to them. He thanks new direction government for their timely intervention.
