Marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s ongoing infrastructure transformation, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio officially commissioned the newly constructed Mattru-Senehun Bridge in Jong Chiefdom, Bonthe District. Designed to replace a decades-old manual ferry crossing, the bridge is expected to benefit more than 20,000 residents by enhancing transportation, ensuring safer travel and boosting economic activities in the region.

The 160-metre bridge, which spans the Jong River and connects Mattru Jong, the mainland of Bonthe District, with surrounding districts, is expected to significantly reduce travel times and eliminate the risks posed by outdated ferry services. The area was one of 13 colonial-era ferry crossings identified by President Bio for replacement with permanent structures under his government’s rural development and infrastructure expansion agenda.

“This is more than a bridge,” President Bio declared in his keynote speech. “It is a fulfilled promise, a statement of commitment and a symbol of progress for our people. From the hills of Koinadugu to the riverbanks of Bonthe, we are building the infrastructure of hope.”

Describing the bridge as both a personal and national achievement, the President reflected on the challenges faced by local communities in the past, limited ferry operations during daylight, dangerous river crossings during the rainy season and restricted access to markets, health centres and schools. He emphasized that the commissioning was not merely ceremonial but a practical step toward enhancing the daily lives of rural Sierra Leoneans.

The bridge was constructed as part of the Smallholder Commercialization and Agribusiness Development Project (SCADeP), funded through a US$30 million grant from the World Bank. Managed under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the project also includes the construction of three other bridges located in Gendema (Kenema District), Manowa (Kailahun District) and Tomparie (Karene District).

“This bridge connects people to possibilities,” President Bio added. “Mothers can now reach health facilities on time, children can get to school safely and farmers can move their goods without delay or damage. This is what inclusive development looks like.”

The President extended heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the project’s success, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the SCADeP team, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, traditional leaders, local government councils and Parliamentarians. He paid special tribute to the World Bank for its consistent partnership in driving transformative development across the country.

Representing the World Bank, Country Manager Dr. Abdu Muwonge congratulated the Government and community leaders for their strong collaboration. He remarked that the bridge was not only a physical structure but a legacy of connectivity and inclusion. “This is a life-changing project for farmers, students, women and the elderly,” he said. “And it’s just the beginning. We are proud to walk this path with Sierra Leone.”

Dr. Muwonge also praised President Bio for his leadership in advocating for Sierra Leone at the World Bank’s headquarters, which has resulted in additional funding being secured for further infrastructure investments.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, described the bridge as a flagship success under President Bio’s Big Five Game Changers development agenda. He noted that rural farmers now have greater incentive to produce more, thanks to improved access to markets and the potential for better income and storage systems.

The Mattru-Senehun Bridge stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved through visionary leadership, strong partnerships and a people-centered approach to governance. It reflects the Bio administration’s dedication to closing the rural-urban divide and ensuring that development reaches even the most remote communities in Sierra Leone.

With the bridge now open to the public, residents of Bonthe and beyond can look forward to a future defined not by barriers, but by opportunities; driven by connectivity, inclusion and shared progress. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/mattru-senehun-bridge-commissioned-president-bio-applauds-world-banks-continued-support/