By Mohamed Vandi in Kenema

Public relations officer Sierra Leone Roads Authority in Kenema Tuesday disclosed to Concord Times that his organisation has started demolishing illegal structures that encroached on roads in Kenema.

Bockarie Koroma said a dwelling house at 17 Coomber Road has already been demolished by residents themselves to allow the drainage construction that was ongoing.

He said these structures have caused delays in the construction of drainages within the township.

“We have noticed that illegal structures are delaying the progress on road rehabilitation in the township. Therefore we have informed all those that have illegal houses, shops or fences along the roads to demolish them before we go on the offensive and put them down,” he warned.

Koroma added that residents at 75 Coomber Road have been warned to demolish their fence that encroached on the road.

He said several other areas where people have violated the instruction of SLRA have been identified and the residents have gone ahead to put up structures on the road.

“Some people find pleasure in breaking the laws but we as servants of the state are there to implement government policies. We will ensure that our roads are free from illegal structures so that users can ply them without any hesitation,” he said.

Momoh Sesay, a resident in Kenema confirmed that their house on 17 Coomber Road did encroach on the main road and that they have undertaken the demolition themselves to avoid confrontation with authorities of SLRA.

“We are respecters of the law of this country. Therefore we have heeded the instructions of the people concerned. There are other houses on the roads and we hope they will obey the laws,” he said

However, this development has raised serious concerns among affected people, especially traders, who are illegally occupying the railway line.

Amadu Barrie, a trader said they were worried because the possibility of extending the demolition exercise to Railway Line could not be underestimated.