“NO BRIDGE, NO BENEFIT: LECTURER TELLS PRESIDENT BIO THE LUNGI LINK MUST COME NOW”

Dr. Leonard Omarr Bangura, a Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Sierra Leone, has called on the Government of Sierra Leone to prioritise the construction of the proposed Lungi Bridge, describing it as a critical infrastructure project that will maximise the benefits of the newly commissioned Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre.

According to Dr. Bangura, the establishment of the conference centre presents a timely opportunity for the government to improve connectivity between Freetown and Lungi, making the facility more accessible and attractive for regional and international events.

Speaking during a public forum in Freetown this week, Dr. Bangura said the multi-million dollar conference centre will struggle to deliver its full economic potential if delegates continue to rely on ferries and the long road route through Port Loko.

“A world-class conference centre deserves world-class access,” he argued. “Right now, the journey from Freetown to Lungi is still defined by delays, weather, and uncertainty. No serious investor or ECOWAS head of state wants to gamble on a ferry when they have summits to attend.”

The political scientist noted that the Lungi Bridge has been discussed for decades, but the timing has never been more urgent. With Sierra Leone hosting more high-profile meetings since the 69th ECOWAS Summit in Lungi, and with the Echo currency project set for 2027, connectivity will determine whether the country becomes a true hub or remains a destination people dread to reach.

Dr. Bangura urged President Bio to treat the bridge not as a political promise, but as an economic necessity. He said it would cut travel time, boost tourism, ease cargo movement, and signal to the world that Sierra Leone is ready for business.

“Build the bridge, and you build confidence,” he concluded. “Leave it, and even the best conference centre in West Africa will sit half-empty.”