By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu | Bo City
The Bo City Council on Thursday, October 15, 2026, held a day-long stakeholders’ consultation on a proposed partnership to establish a modern parking facility at Masahun Community along the Bo-Taiama Highway, with the aim of reducing traffic congestion and improving traffic management in Bo City.
The consultation brought together representatives of the Sierra Leone Police, Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), civil society organizations (CSOs), the Traders Union, the Drivers Union, the media, Council staff and members of the Kakpata family, who own the land earmarked for the project.
The meeting was followed by a site visit to assess the suitability of the proposed location and identify potential safety, environmental and infrastructural challenges that could affect the project.
Explaining the background to the initiative, Deputy Mayor of Bo City, Madam Hawa Campbell, disclosed that the Kakpata family had approached the Council with a proposal to transform their family land into a modern parking facility.
She said the proposed development would include designated parking bays, storage spaces, accommodation and other supporting infrastructure.
According to Madam Campbell, the facility would be handed over to the Council for management and long-term sustainability upon completion.
She described the proposal as a contribution from the private sector towards the development of Bo City, noting that the Council considered stakeholder consultation necessary before proceeding with the proposed partnership.
She emphasised that involving relevant institutions and affected groups would help ensure that the project meets the city’s needs and complies with operational and safety requirements.
The Chief Administrator of Bo City Council, Mr. Henry Powell, said the proposed facility forms part of the Council’s broader efforts to improve traffic management and promote the orderly use of public spaces within the municipality.
He expressed concern over indiscriminate street parking, which he said contributes to traffic congestion, obstructs pedestrian movement and disrupts the free flow of vehicles, particularly in the city centre.
Mr. Powell explained that the proposed facility would provide motorists with designated parking spaces, helping to ease pressure on major streets and improve accessibility.
He added that, if properly implemented and managed, the project could improve the city’s appearance and contribute to a more organised urban environment.
He maintained that a dedicated parking facility could help address persistent parking and traffic management challenges in Bo City.
During the consultation, stakeholders discussed the proposed facility’s location, design, management arrangements, parking regulations, revenue considerations and implementation requirements.
However, the subsequent site visit raised concerns about the suitability of the proposed location.
One major concern was the site’s position along a curve on the busy Bo-Taiama Highway, which stakeholders said could pose safety risks to motorists, pedestrians and other road users if appropriate precautions were not taken.
They stressed the need for careful assessment of the site’s proximity to the highway to minimize the risk of accidents involving vehicles entering and leaving the facility.
Stakeholders also raised concerns about the topography of the land, recommending a thorough technical assessment to determine the engineering modifications needed to make the site safe, accessible and suitable for its intended purpose.
Among the recommendations made was the establishment of a security post to protect lives and property within the proposed facility.
Stakeholders also called for adequate drainage to prevent flooding, proper lighting to improve visibility and security, and clearly defined entry and exit points to reduce accident risks and ensure smooth traffic movement.
They emphasised that the facility’s design should incorporate appropriate road safety measures and comply with recognized parking standards.
The stakeholders further urged the Council and its political leadership to thoroughly review the proposed partnership agreement and the facility’s design before making a final decision.
They also called for an assessment of the project against applicable highway safety requirements and national policies governing urban transport, public safety and security.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of the project in reducing congestion and improving parking arrangements, participants stressed that public safety, adequate infrastructure and long-term sustainability must remain central to its planning and implementation.
At the end of the consultation, the Bo City Council assured stakeholders that the concerns and recommendations raised during the meeting and site visit would be carefully reviewed before a final decision was made on the proposed partnership.
The consultation provided an opportunity for technical, security and community concerns to be considered before the project proceeds.
If developed in accordance with appropriate safety standards and supported by effective management arrangements, the proposed Masahun parking facility could help ease parking difficulties, improve traffic circulation and support Bo City’s urban development objectives.
However, stakeholders stressed that the project’s viability would depend on addressing the concerns raised, particularly those relating to the site’s location along the Bo-Taiama Highway, the terrain and the provision of adequate safety and security infrastructure.