President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has commissioned a series of landmark infrastructure projects in Pujehun District, including the 25-kilometre Bandajuma–Pujehun Road, the Julius Maada Bio Bridge and the newly completed Gobaru Monument, while also officially launching construction of the Pujehun–Gbondapi Road.
The ceremony, held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Kpanga Krim Chiefdom, marked a major milestone in the district’s transformation agenda and underscored the Government’s commitment to infrastructure development and food security.
Addressing a large gathering of residents, traditional authorities and Government officials, Julius Maada Bio described the projects as “pathways to dignity,” emphasizing their importance in improving access to essential services such as healthcare, education and markets, while unlocking economic opportunities for local communities.
“Pujehun District has suffered historical injustice for many years and we are correcting that now,” President Bio stated. “It should not be acceptable to have a district headquarters town without a paved road.”
He highlighted the significant impact of the newly completed Bandajuma–Pujehun Road, noting that travel time between Bo and Pujehun has been reduced to approximately one hour, compared to several hours previously. According to him, that improvement is already transforming trade, mobility and social connectivity within the region.
The President also outlined plans for an integrated energy solution for Pujehun, combining solar and fossil fuel systems to ensure reliable electricity supply. He disclosed that ongoing efforts include the installation of generators and expansion of power distribution networks across the district.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to agricultural development, President Bio said the planned Pujehun–Gbondapi Road would play a critical role in supporting the Government’s flagship Feed Salone initiative by enhancing access to farming communities and facilitating the movement of agricultural produce.
He commended First Tricon Limited for the successful execution of the projects and called for continued unity among citizens as the country looks ahead to the 2028 general elections.
Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh, praised the President’s leadership, describing the developments as transformative for Pujehun District. He noted that the improved road network has significantly eased transportation challenges and enhanced access to vital services.
Dr. David Moinina Sengeh disclosed that 41 kilometres of feeder roads have been completed in the district, while the Gobaru Monument, delivered with support from Africell, now stands as a symbol of modernization and civic pride.
He further highlighted progress under the Feed Salone programme, including the cultivation of 10,000 hectares of crops and the consumption of 13,000 bags of locally produced rice. In addition, he reported notable improvements in the health and education sectors, citing the recruitment of 200 health workers, the construction of four peripheral health units, ongoing work on a 100-bed hospital and a growing number of students advancing to tertiary institutions.
Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandy, stated that the President has directed the accelerated completion of all outstanding road and bridge projects nationwide. He added that the current administration has delivered more infrastructure in the sector than any previous Government.
First Lady Fatima Maada Bio reflected on the past challenges of accessing Pujehun, noting that the new road infrastructure has dramatically improved mobility and livelihoods for residents.
Director General of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu, described the intervention as unprecedented, revealing that three major road-related projects had been implemented simultaneously in one district for the first time in the country’s history. He disclosed that over the past six years, 140 kilometres of roads and eight bridges have been constructed in Pujehun.
He also underscored the significance of the Julius Maada Bio Bridge, noting that it addresses a long-standing infrastructure gap that had remained unresolved for more than 90 years.
Chairman of the Pujehun District Council, Foday Rogers, welcomed the developments, stating that improved infrastructure has enhanced access to markets, schools and healthcare facilities, thereby boosting local economic activity.
Political Leader, Hon. Sidi Mohamed Tunis, also commended the President for appointing more indigenes of Pujehun into key Government positions, describing the projects as historic achievements delivered despite limited national resources.
The commissioning of the Bandajuma–Pujehun Road, the Julius Maada Bio Bridge and the Gobaru Monument marks a defining moment in Pujehun District’s development journey, signaling a new era of connectivity, economic growth and renewed civic identity.
