The bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time and costs, eliminate the risks associated with manual ferry transport, and improve the movement of goods, especially farm produce, to markets across the region
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, July 5, 2025/APO Group/ --
His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has officially commissioned the newly constructed Mattru Jong–Senehun Bridge in Jong Chiefdom, Bonthe District, a transformative infrastructure project designed to benefit over 20,000 residents. The bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time and costs, eliminate the risks associated with manual ferry transport, and improve the movement of goods, especially farm produce, to markets across the region.
Located along the Jong River, Mattru Jong serves as the mainland of Bonthe District, approximately 52 miles southwest of Bo. It was previously one of the country’s 13 colonial-era manual ferry points identified by President Bio for replacement with modern bridges as part of his broader infrastructure and rural development strategy.
In his keynote address, President Bio described the commissioning as a deeply personal and national milestone. “This is a promise fulfilled to my people, to our district, and to our future,” he declared. Recalling his Big Five Game Changer agenda, the President emphasized that his government is committed to delivering tangible development to every part of Sierra Leone “from the hills of Koinadugu to the riverbanks of Bonthe.”
He recounted the challenges of the past: “Our communities relied on manual ferries that were limited to daytime use, became unusable during the rainy season, and often posed serious risks. These were not just inconveniences, they were barriers to progress,” he said. “While previous governments spoke of development, our government is delivering it. We are the ‘Tok N Do’ government.”
President Bio explained that the bridge was made possible through a US$30 million grant from the World Bank under the Smallholder Commercialisation and Agribusiness Development Project (SCADeP), overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The Mattru Bridge is one of four constructed under the initiative, alongside Gendema in Kenema District, Manowa in Kailahun District, and Tomparie in Karene District.
He described the new 160-metre structure as a vital connection point linking Mattru Jong to Bo, Moyamba, and Pujehun Districts, enabling faster access to healthcare, education, and markets. “Now, mothers can reach clinics faster, students will arrive at school safely, and traders and farmers can move goods with ease,” the President said.
President Bio emphasized that beyond reducing travel time, the bridge restores dignity and brings hope to local communities. He expressed profound gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture, the SCADeP team, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, Paramount Chiefs, local councils, and Members of Parliament for their roles in making the project a success.
He also thanked the World Bank for its unwavering partnership. “You have walked this journey with us. Your support is yielding real results for our people. But we are not done. There are more bridges to build, more roads to open, and more communities to transform,” he assured.
Speaking on behalf of the World Bank, Dr Abdul Muwonge, Country Manager for Sierra Leone, commended the government and local stakeholders for their cooperation. He noted that farmers, women, schoolchildren, and the elderly had long struggled with access and connectivity in the region. “This bridge is more than concrete and steel, it is a legacy that will serve generations,” he said.
Dr Muwonge applauded President Bio for making a compelling case at the World Bank headquarters, which has led to additional funding for future bridge projects. He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s infrastructure and rural development ambitions.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Agriculture Dr Henry Musa Kpaka described the bridge as a flagship achievement under President Bio’s Big Five Game Changers. He stated that the improved infrastructure would encourage farmers to increase production, knowing that their goods can reach markets efficiently and safely, with improved storage and profitability.
The commissioning of the Mattru-Senehun Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of President Bio’s commitment to inclusive development, rural connectivity, and agricultural transformation. With strong partnerships, bold leadership, and sustained investment, Sierra Leone is steadily moving forward, one bridge, one road, and one empowered community at a time.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
According to the speech at chatham house,by former kenyan prime minister,i believe mr.raila odinga very well deserves to comment about the east african politics.A dignitary from the region himself.I was very glad to listen his brave & encouraging speech at chatham house.He was honest & genuine about the documented history, of the so called somali republic,and east africa as a whole.I want to express my sincere thanks to mr. raila odinga.His words were undoubtedly brave & encouraging to any one who cares about somaliland nation.What i don,t comprehend is,why it angered & discouraged the somali ambassador in kenya.Somali is a nationality not a country.The fact is,greater somalia was a dream which emerged during the second world war.In reality,it tured out to be humurous deception.They say,”familiarity breeds contempt.”Somalia should deal with its many problems,& let somaliland deal with its own.Somalia should not deceive the world into thinking decent administration of them.Waa mahadsantiin.Alhamdu lilah.
Thanks egal. I trully support Somaliland in their quest for statehood.
“Politics of Somalia should be left to Somalis”, then what are all those external forces doing in Mogadishu Mr Ambassador? If the Somali sovereignity is sacrosant, then why allow UNISOM and the rest in Somali soil? It is such double-standards and double-speak that casts aspersions on the Mogadishu elites.
Raila is a respected Pan-Africanist who is widely read and travelled. He has the right to express his views in whichever forum he deems fit. I find the Ambassador’s angry rhetoric comical and useless. So many Kenyan regimes including the Kenyatta and Moi ones tried to silence Hon Raila to no avail. Does this young and inexperienced diplomat hope to muzzle Raila? Highly improbable and unrealistic.
Great point Yassin, unbelievable double standards, it seems Somalia has an obsession with Somaliland and not a healthy one. As the saying goes ‘people in glass houses should not throw stones’. Somalia should be looking to sort out the internal problems rather than focus on comments about somaliland recognition
If Somaliland is commended for its efforts, it becomes a violation of Somalia’s integrity, when Mugadishu officials are denied entry to Kismayo by Kenyan forces, it is a domestic issue how ironic! This is just another proof of the unrelenting campaign of Somalia’s administration against the will and self determination of Somaliland and its citizens but this route of theirs ends nowhere other than total failure
Right. Reminds me of the squabbles between the two Koreas: North and South. One is an isolated regime that is trying to rely on itself to make ends meet. Each time they launch a test missile into space, it causes uproars worldwide. The North’s situation is analogous to Somaliland: isolated, no recognition yet trying to survive by sheer willpower and self-determination of its hardworking people, who have struggled to rise above the ruins to rebuild their lives. Our development is the obvious envy of our enemies. Each milestone is treated with jealousy. The comparisons end there however. Unlike N Korea, we are a free market system. We have reached out to our true friends from the West who have representation in Hargeisa.
S/Korea relies on the US and other World powers for support, just like Mogadishu does. Sadly, the world is tired with the never ending problems in the South of Somalia. The difference between S/Korea and S/Somalia is that former has a good economy and is a newly developed economy unlike our Mogadishu brothers. Our economy is doing fine and progress is everywhere just like in South Korea.