*President Julius Maada Bio Commissions Gendema Bridge In The Kenema District.*
*By Amara Alpha, Outreach Officer, Strategic Communication Unit – MoICE*
*Gendema Town, Kenema District, 30th November 2025* – His Excellency President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has commissioned the Gendema Bridge—an historic piece of infrastructure that brings safer travel, economic opportunity, and regional integration to communities in Simbaru, Wandor, and Golama-Mende Chiefdoms, Kenema District.
In her welcome address, Paramount Chief Mamie Gbovoh Gamaga VI of Simbaru Chiefdom expressed deep gratitude on behalf of her people. She hailed the bridge as “a symbol of connection and hope”, recalling years of hardship when residents risked their lives using ferries and boats to cross the river.
“For many years, we lost precious lives crossing this river. Accessing markets, schools, and health facilities was extremely difficult, especially during the rainy season,” she said. “This bridge is transformative, and it demonstrates the SLPP-led government’s commitment to every citizen, regardless of tribe, village, or political affiliation.”
She thanked the contractors, engineers, and labourers for their dedication and urged her people to protect and maintain the bridge for future generations.
Welcoming President Bio to the Eastern Region, the Minister of State, Hon. Gbessay Jusu Jaka Ngobeh, described the event as historic. He reminded those present that although many leaders had promised to build the bridge, President Bio was the one who fulfilled that promise.
“Judge the President when he has completed his second term,” he said. “He remains fully committed to the development of Sierra Leone and will be remembered as the leader whose legacy will stand across the nation.”
Delivering the keynote address, President Julius Maada Bio described the commissioning as “a meaningful day for our nation.” He explained that the bridge not only links the three chiefdoms but effectively connects the North, South, and Eastern regions—bringing benefits to farmers, traders, pregnant women, schoolchildren, and the sick who now have safer and faster access to essential services.
“This is meaningful development, not cosmetic development,” the President said.
He reaffirmed the SLPP government’s commitment to social democracy and human capital development, stressing that education remains the fastest path out of poverty. He encouraged parents to prioritize schooling and urged residents to focus more on agriculture, noting the region’s fertile land.
President Bio announced that eight ferry crossing points across Sierra Leone will be converted into bridges and assured the community that the road leading to the Gendema Bridge would also be constructed with support from the World Bank.
He concluded by advising young people to stay away from harmful substances such as Kush and Tramadol, describing the fight against drug abuse as a collective responsibility.
Speaking as a development partner, the World Bank Country Manager, Mr. Abdul Muwonge, praised the significance of the project. He noted that Gendema has long been an important trade hub, historically used by the British for tax collection due to its production of cocoa, coffee, and palm oil.
He emphasized the town’s growing cosmopolitan nature and the bridge’s vital role in strengthening regional commerce. Mr. Muwonge appealed for the swift completion of the Manowa Bridge and called on Members of Parliament to actively monitor ongoing projects, stressing that “development delays are development denied.” He encouraged continued support for the President’s infrastructure agenda.
Delivering his remarks, Minister of Finance, Hon. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, said the bridge represented one of the happiest moments for residents of the area, as it physically connects the North, South, and East. He assured the public that more bridges would be constructed under President Bio’s leadership and appealed to the World Bank to consider supporting the road leading to the new structure.
Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Henry Musa Pkaka, commended all involved in the project and highlighted its strategic importance for agricultural development. He outlined major 2025 achievements under the Feed Salone Programme, including the establishment of a seeds testing lab, research stations, weather index insurance, and financing schemes totaling over $24 million for farmers. He emphasized that no country can industrialize without strong road infrastructure and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to feeder road construction and rural development.
Similar sentiments were shared by the local Member of Parliament and the Minister of Works, who both praised the government’s focus on rural infrastructure.
The ceremony ended with the official commissioning of the Gendema Bridge, marking a new chapter of hope, safety, and opportunity for the surrounding communities.
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