By Shebora Samba Kamara
Voice of Wusum Radio 88.5fm
The livelihood of thousands of residents around the Rokel-Kalaikay community, Mambolo Chiefdom, Kambia District, has been under severe threat for over a year now, as the construction of a major road has caused severe disruption to local agriculture. These farming communities, where the majority of residents depend on agriculture for their daily sustenance, have found themselves in an increasingly dire situation as critical waterways have been blocked and key infrastructure, including bridges, have been closed, some damaged.
The ongoing road construction from Matatie to Tombo Wala has inadvertently caused extensive damage to the area’s vital river systems. With rivers blocked and bridges impassable, waterways that are essential for irrigation and transport to and from farms have been severed. The immediate consequence of this disruption has been devastating for local farmers. The previous farming season saw a dramatic halt in agricultural activities, as farmers were unable to access water or transport their seedlings to their farms.
This disruption has led to a cascade of challenges within the community. Hunger, increased poverty, and the loss of livelihoods have become pressing concerns, with many farmers left without the means to support their families. Last year’s planting season was a complete washout, with the crops that did manage to survive suffering from lack of irrigation and proper access to fertile lands.
As the 2025 farming season approaches, there are growing fears that the situation will not improve. The waterways remain blocked, and there is no visible sign that the construction company responsible for the road project, “Secon,” is taking any action to remedy the problem. Farmers have expressed their frustration with the lack of communication from the company or other concerned authorities, who are yet to offer any clear assurance or plan to reopen the rivers or restore essential infrastructure.
For these farming communities, the stakes are higher than ever. The possibility of another year without proper farming conditions could lead to further food insecurity, escalate poverty, and increase tensions within the community. The closure of bridges and blocking of rivers has already caused widespread hardship, and if the situation persists, it is feared that it may escalate into even more severe problems, such as theviery , social unrest etc.
“We are pleading with the authorities to take immediate action,” said one local farmer, visibly frustrated by the lack of progress. “We depend on farming for survival, and without the river access and the bridges, we cannot grow our crops, we cannot feed our families, and we cannot sell our produce.”
Community leaders have called for urgent intervention from both local and national authorities to hold the construction company accountable and ensure that these critical issues are addressed before it is too late. The Rokel community, along with surrounding villages, is urging that the necessary measures be put in place to allow them to farm and restore their means of income.
“This is a matter of life and death for many of us,” said another community representative. “If this continues, the people will suffer even more. We need these rivers opened and our bridges restored. Otherwise, the situation will only worsen.”
As the community waits for a resolution, the clock is ticking for the approaching farming season. Without immediate action, it is feared that the already strained livelihoods of Rokel’s residents will be irreparably damaged. Authorities, both local and national, are now being urged to step in and find a sustainable solution before the crisis deepens.
The community appreciates the authorities concerned for the construction of a much needed road, but their plea is such development should not continue to be a serious threat to their only source of livelihood.
