By Mohamed Bangura

The state of the Old Railway Line St. John Bridge is a ticking time bomb that demands urgent attention. What was once a vital crossing point for pedestrians and residents has now become a symbol of neglect and looming danger. The crumbling concrete, overgrown vegetation, and gaping erosion beneath the structure are not just eyesores they are visible warnings of potential tragedy.

This bridge is not merely a piece of infrastructure; it is part of the daily life of residents who rely on it for access to homes, markets, schools, and workplaces. Each day, people risk their safety crossing a bridge whose foundation is visibly eaten away by water and time. The eroded base and exposed cavity show that collapse is not a question of “if,” but “when.” When that day comes, the consequences will be catastrophic.

Sadly, this situation reflects a broader issue in our society poor maintenance culture. Infrastructure is built with public funds but left to deteriorate until disaster strikes, often at the expense of lives. Rather than wait for the inevitable, authorities must take proactive steps to rehabilitate the St. John Bridge. A simple inspection and timely repair could save countless lives and prevent costly reconstruction in the future.

The community, too, has a role to play. The garbage seen piling around the bridge not only weakens the structure but also pollutes the waterways, accelerating erosion. Residents must be sensitized to keep the area clean and report early signs of damage before they worsen.

The Old Railway Line St. John Bridge is crying for help. Ignoring it means gambling with lives. This is a call to the Ministry of Works, the Freetown City Council, and all relevant stakeholders to prioritize the safety of citizens over neglect. The cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of repair.

Infrastructural decay is not destiny it is a choice. The choice now is whether we save the St. John Bridge before it claims lives, or wait to mourn preventable tragedy.