SLRA Director General Warns: Roads Not Meant for Garbage Disposal
By: Edward Dictionary Caulker
On Tuesday, during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing, Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), informed the public about the adverse effects of heavy rains and the inappropriate disposal of garbage on the country’s roads.
The SLRA is responsible for developing, maintaining, and rehabilitating roads across Sierra Leone, which has a total of 11,300 kilometers of classified road networks. These include major trunk roads, primary roads, feeder roads, and urban roads, primarily located in Freetown. A crucial core road network, approximately 4,000 kilometers long, is essential for the country’s regular movement.
Addressing journalists and stakeholders, Ing. Momodu emphasized the continuous complaints about inadequate drainage. He explained that persistent garbage disposal into waterways leads to road flooding. He pointed out that roads are designed to drain water, not to handle “Red Dorti” (red dirt) or garbage. While roads can withstand some amount of water, their capacity is compromised when mixed with dirt and waste.
“Our problems are man-made,” Ing. Momodu stated, highlighting the impact of improper building practices on hilltops, which damage water-catchment areas and exacerbate flooding issues. He noted that careful consideration is given to water passage during road design, but the lack of proper building patterns below hilltops significantly contributes to drainage problems.
Ing. Momodu outlined the SLRA’s annual maintenance activities, including drainage and surface clearing works. Despite receiving an average of 120 million leones annually from the Road Maintenance Fund (RMF), there remains a deficit of about 1 billion 305 million leones. This funding is sourced through an ECOWAS-recommended fuel levy.
The Director General acknowledged the issue of clogged drains and noted that the SLRA has incorporated an annual “Drainage Cleaning Exercise” into their maintenance program. The SLRA is committed to addressing road-related issues before, during, and after the rainy season, including replacing damaged slabs, unclogging waterways, and inspecting culverts.
Ing. Momodu also urged citizens to utilize the SLRA’s 24-hour emergency unit dedicated to handling urgent situations, encouraging them to reach out to the SLRA at any time.
