By Ragan M. Conteh
People of Stakeholders of Sanda Magbolontor Chiefdom have said their community is one of the Chiefdoms that the government of President Julius Maada Bio has totally neglected in terms development.
It is also one of the Cheifdoms that has been for decades without a Paramount Chief.
Since the death of their Paramount Chief, the Chiefdom has become very popular with violence and other serious crimes.
Many residents said the chiefdom is now well known for sharp divisions among the people. People there are no longer working as brothers and sisters since they don’t have a Paramount Chief.
Stakeholders have accused the Ministry Local Government of abandoning the Chiefdom and creating unnecessary tension in the community due to the failure to conduct Chieftaincy elections.
Apart from the failure to conduct elections in the Chiefdom, the Sanda Magbolontor road has also been rendered impassable due to the overflow of the Sanda Magbolontor and Mabanta Rivers, putting Rokupr village in a precarious situation.
Residents are now facing significant challenges in getting access to Rokupr to Kamakwei, the nearest town, as a result of the flooding.
The inundation has not only isolated the village but has also raised serious safety and health concerns in the community.
With road access being a major problem for the residents, these people are struggling to obtain essential supplies, including food and medical care from other towns , a situation which is best described as an emergency crisis.
Local leaders and residents are calling on the government to prioritize the construction of a bridge that would facilitate safe and reliable travel for the community.
“We urgently need a bridge to connect us to Kamakwei. The current situation is unsustainable and poses serious risks to our families,” stated a community representative.
The economic impact of the flooding cannot be understated here as well.
Farmers are unable to transport their goods to market, threatening livelihoods and food security.
Without intervention, the community faces long-term repercussions that could affect future development and stability.
Residents and local organizations are mobilizing to advocate for government assistance, emphasizing the critical need for infrastructure improvements to mitigate the effects of seasonal flooding.
The call for action is clear: immediate government intervention is essential to build a bridge and restore safe access for Rokupr village.
As the situation develops, the community remains hopeful for a swift response from authorities to address this pressing issue.