By: The APC Karene District Public Relations Unit
A high-powered delegation of prominent All People’s Congress (APC) leaders from Karene District and the North West Region visited the site of the collapsed Matehun Bridge on September 21, 2024, which has been a major cause of hardship for the people of Karene over the past few months. The delegation aimed to assess the damage firsthand and discuss potential solutions to restore access and alleviate the suffering caused by the bridge’s collapse. The bridge, a crucial link between Makeni and Kamakwie, has left many communities isolated, causing a steep rise in the prices of food and essential commodities.
The delegation was led by Mr. Mahmoud Bobor Kargbo, also known as BTK, the APC Deputy Regional Chairman for the North West, and included several APC stalwarts from both the district and regional levels. Key members of the delegation included Chairman of Karene District Council, Abdul Kandeh Turay, former Deputy Minister of Sports and senior party figure, Mr. Al Sankoh Conteh, APC District Chairman, Dr. Adikalie Sesay, the Parliamentary Caucus Leader of Karene and APC Deputy Chairman for the District, Honourable Alusine Bash Kamara, Constituency 066 Chairman, Mr. Abdul Aziz Babagalleh Sesay, Young Congress Leader of Constituency 065, Alimamy Youngest, and Deputy Organizing Secretary for Constituency 066, Shek Ahmed Kamara.
Upon inspecting the collapsed bridge and interacting with local residents, Mr. Mahmoud Bobor Kargbo (BTK), the highest-ranking APC member on the team, expressed deep concern over the dire situation. “The suffering of our people is unacceptable,” he stated, emphasizing the urgent need for a united approach to resolve the issue. He called on all Karene people, irrespective of political affiliation, to rally together in addressing the problem. “This is not just an APC issue or a government issue—it is about the lives and livelihoods of our people,” BTK added.
Mr. Al Sankoh Conteh, a senior APC official and former Deputy Minister of Sports, echoed these sentiments, noting that the road conditions and collapsed bridge have crippled the local economy. He expressed sorrow at the sight of people struggling to transport goods along dangerous detours. “It is painful to see our people like this,” he lamented. “We need immediate action, and as leaders, we must be at the forefront of this fight for restoration.”
APC District Chairman, Dr. Adikalie Sesay, who was visibly emotional, remarked on the broader implications of the bridge’s collapse. “At a time when the cost of living is already incredibly high, this disaster adds another layer of difficulty for our people,” he said. Dr. Sesay stressed that the issue should be addressed as a top priority, and promised to engage all relevant stakeholders to expedite the restoration efforts.
Honourable Alusine Bash Kamara, the Parliamentary Caucus Leader for Karene District and APC Deputy Chairman, revealed that the APC caucus in Parliament has been actively advocating for a swift response from the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) to address the collapsed bridge. However, he acknowledged that the heavy rains have delayed intervention efforts. “While the rains have been a challenge, this is no excuse for inaction. We will continue our advocacy to ensure that this bridge is fixed as soon as possible,” he reassured.
The Constituency 066 Chairman, Mr. Abdul Aziz Babagalleh Sesay, called for more direct community engagement in finding interim solutions to the transport crisis. “We can’t wait for a miracle; as a community, we need to come together and implement immediate local measures to ease the burden on our traders and farmers,” he said, adding that temporary repairs and alternative routes should be explored while the authorities work on a permanent solution.
Young Congress Leader for Constituency 065, Alimamy Youngest, spoke passionately about the impact on the youths, especially those involved in agriculture and trade. “The youths of Karene are feeling the brunt of this crisis. They are the ones who have to carry goods on foot for miles. We need a solution now,” he urged.
Shek Ahmed Kamara, Deputy Organizing Secretary of Constituency 066, also voiced his concerns, stating that this is an opportunity for the people of Karene to show resilience and unity. “This is a wake-up call for all of us to come together and rebuild. With unity and determination, we can overcome this setback,” he said.
The delegation left the site, determined to continue their advocacy at all levels, promising to work closely with SLRA and other government agencies to ensure that the bridge is restored and the suffering of the people is alleviated as soon as possible.
APC Karene District Public Relations Unit