Ferry Breakdown Disrupts Sanda Magbolonthor Chiefdom
By: Edward Dictionary Caulker
Residents and travelers in Sanda Magbolonthor Chiefdom, situated within Kamakwie Town in Northern Sierra Leone’s Karene District, are currently grappling with significant challenges following the breakdown of the Mabanta Ferry, which has been non-operational for the past two weeks.
According to stakeholders, the ferry’s towing rope suffered severe damage and ultimately snapped under the strain of heavy loads, including timber logs, coal, and vehicles unsuitable for the route. The rope, in use for several years, finally gave way, causing considerable disruption and concern among commuters.
The Mabanta Ferry serves as a vital transportation link for Sanda Magbolonthor and Kamakwie Town. Its breakdown has resulted in considerable hardships for residents and travelers, compounded by a notable increase in transportation costs. Despite recent decreases in fuel prices, the fare from Freetown to Sanda Magbolonthor Chiefdom now stands at NL 200 (Two Hundred New Leones). Normally, a journey covering approximately 150 miles would take under four hours on a well-maintained road.
With the ferry out of service, many travelers find road travel costs prohibitive and are resorting to crossing the river via canoe or using motorcycles (Okadas), incurring multiple fees.
The residents of Sanda Magbolonthor Chiefdom are urgently appealing to the Sierra Leonean Government, NGOs, and relevant organizations to expedite the construction of a bridge to alleviate their plight, particularly during the rainy season. The Chiefdom Speaker highlighted the recurring issue of ferry breakdowns during this period and emphasized the necessity of a permanent bridge as the sole long-term solution to end the hardships faced by travelers. He urged President Bio’s administration and international bodies to address the pressing needs of Sanda Magbolonthor’s residents promptly.
