By Amin Kef Sesay
The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has reopened the inbound lane of the Wellington-Masiaka Highway at One Pole, Allen Town (K5 Section), to traffic as of December 2, 2024. The reopening follows extensive emergency repairs undertaken to address a slope failure that occurred on July 28, 2024.
The incident, caused by unauthorized excavation and encroachment on the slope adjacent to the highway, led to the collapse of the slope and damage to nearby drainage facilities. This created significant risks, including potential landslides and posed dangers to road users, pedestrians and residents in the area.
In the aftermath of the disaster, the SLRA conducted a rapid on-site assessment and implemented a temporary closure of the affected lane to ensure public safety. China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) promptly mobilized its team, including highly skilled engineers, support personnel, heavy machinery and pre-financed construction materials, to undertake emergency repairs that lasted nearly four months.
Despite challenges such as heavy rains, difficult terrain and material shortages, CRSG successfully completed slope reinforcement work by November 20, 2024. The repairs eliminated the risks to public and vehicular safety, paving the way for the resumption of normal traffic flow on December 2, 2024. Permanent strengthening of the repaired section is planned for the near future.
CRSG has consistently demonstrated its reliability as a partner to the Government and people of Sierra Leone. The company’s contributions include responding to the 2017 Freetown mudslide, aiding COVID-19 prevention efforts in 2020 and executing emergency repairs on the Savage Bridge. This latest intervention underscores CRSG’s professionalism and commitment to addressing Sierra Leone’s infrastructural needs during emergencies.
The Wellington-Masiaka Highway, a flagship project in China-Sierra Leone socioeconomic cooperation, continues to stand as a symbol of high engineering standards and operational excellence. It offers safe and efficient transit for vehicles and pedestrians, further boosting the nation’s infrastructure. The swift and effective response to the landslide highlights CRSG’s focus on Sierra Leone’s welfare and its capability to manage complex engineering challenges under adverse conditions.
CRSG Sierra Leone remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering stronger China-Sierra Leone ties and contributing to the country’s socioeconomic development.
