During the second allotted day of the 2026 National Budget debate, Hon. Aziz Bangura, MP for Port Loko District, called on the government to fulfil long-standing promises to his constituents, particularly the construction of the Lungi Bridge and the Tagrine-Lungi Road.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Bangura reminded colleagues that the national budget is the primary instrument through which ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) receive the resources needed to implement development programmes. “It is incumbent on the government to allocate the necessary funds for projects that directly impact the lives of the people of Port Loko,” he stated.
He stressed that the Lungi Bridge remains a critical link between Port Loko and Freetown a project repeatedly promised but still unfunded. Hon. Bangura urged the President Bio-led administration to prioritize the bridge’s construction in the upcoming fiscal year.
The MP also strongly advocated for the construction of the Tagrine-Lungi Road, describing it as a “perennial problem.” He criticized the government’s decision to defer the project to 2027, warning that the delay continues to hinder trade, education, and healthcare access for residents.
Hon. Bangura further appealed to the government to honour its commitment to procure new government ferries. He expressed concern that the procurement of two new ferries also postponed to 2027 has left many locals reliant on outdated vessels. He recalled that former President Ernest Bai Koroma regularly used the Kissy and Government Wharf ferries, contrasting this with President Julius Maada Bio’s limited use, which he said has contributed to the lack of urgency on the ferry issue.
“The absence of reliable ferries restricts the movement of citizens, especially those travelling between Port Loko and Lungi,” Hon. Bangura said. “We cannot continue to rely on ageing boats while the government delays essential infrastructure.”
He concluded by thanking the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, for allowing him to contribute to the debate, and called on the President and the Ministry of Finance to allocate the required funds in the 2026 Appropriation Act to fulfil the promises made to the people of Port Loko.
Parliament is expected to continue its deliberations on the 2026 National Budget until Friday, with further contributions anticipated from other MPs on national priorities and resource allocation to MDAs.