By Amin Kef-Ranger

The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), in partnership with the China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG), has expressed serious concern over the increasing encroachment on the Right-of-Way along the Wellington–Masiaka Highway, warning that the trend poses significant risks to road safety, public infrastructure and future development along the corridor.

In a public notice issued by the Managements of both institutions, it was revealed that a growing number of individuals have constructed makeshift and permanent concrete structures, median divider crossings and road access ramps leading to private properties within the road reserve without obtaining the required approval from the Sierra Leone Roads Authority.

According to the notice, the Wellington–Masiaka Highway was designed and constructed primarily to enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians travelling along the corridor. However, the unauthorized developments have begun to undermine those objectives, creating safety hazards for road users while also threatening the integrity of the road infrastructure.

The Authority noted that the illegal structures have the potential to cause substantial damage to the highway and could hinder future road expansion projects as well as the installation of essential public utilities such as water supply systems, electricity networks and communication infrastructure. It further emphasized that the road reserve must remain free from unauthorized occupation in order to accommodate future infrastructural and service delivery needs.

SLRA reminded the public that it is the legally mandated institution responsible for the planning, development, management and maintenance of Sierra Leone’s national road network and therefore has the authority to take action against any form of unlawful encroachment within designated road reserves.

To address the situation, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority and China Railway Seventh Group announced that, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and national security forces, they will commence a comprehensive clearing and sanitation exercise along the Right-of-Way of the Wellington–Masiaka Highway with effect from 29 June 2026. The exercise is intended to remove all unauthorized structures and restore the road reserve in order to safeguard public safety and preserve the functionality of the highway.

The authorities have urged all affected individuals to immediately cease any ongoing construction activities and voluntarily remove structures erected without approval before the commencement of the operation. They warned that failure to comply with the directive will leave them with no option but to enforce the law, including the demolition of structures found within the protected road reserve.

SLRA further called on members of the public to cooperate with the exercise and comply with regulations governing the use of road reserves, stressing that such cooperation is essential for protecting public investments and ensuring safer and more efficient transportation across the country.

The notice concluded with a firm warning that the planned enforcement exercise will proceed as scheduled and that all affected persons have been duly notified to take the necessary corrective actions before the deadline. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slra-crsg-announce-major-right-of-way-clearance-along-wellington-masiaka-corridor/