The bridge that connects the Kholifa Mabang tribal area in the northern part of Tonkolili district with major cities across the country has been neglected and overlooked, worsening the lives of the poor people of the tribal area.

"This bridge is hindering our progress as a community in many ways and making life difficult," residents said.

In an interview with this reporter on Sunday, November 5, 2023, residents of Magboky village, where the bridge is located, said that life was difficult due to the dilapidation of the bridge and blamed politicians. Made with unfulfilled promises.

Local residents have consistently reported the poor condition of the bridge to politicians during elections, but residents say the situation appears to have been ignored and ignored by the previous and current governments. claims.

Magbokye village chief Pa Alimamy Forna, expressing dissatisfaction on behalf of the community, said there seemed to be a predicament brewing that a better bridge would never be built.

The town Chief said past and present political figures have made promises to change the bridge but it`s like they`re almost fed up with the unfulfilled promises.

Majority of Kholifa Mabang Chiefdom residents depend on subsistence agriculture to make ends meet, and can not afford to construct a bridge such as the Magbokie Bridge which needs a huge amount of money.

“It`s the responsibility of the government to do it,” the Chief said.

Adama Kargbo, a resident said the price of commodities and transportation especially in the rainy season risen because of the bridge`s poor situation.

The hike in the prices, Kargbo said is because commercial bike riders went through hell in crossing the Magbokie bridge to move goods from Mile 91 town to the various communities.

According to the woman, one of the most frightening situations is the continued loss of lives of local residents, especially commercial cyclists.

"The authorities should have focused on the Magboky Bridge because it connects the entire emirate with Mile 91 and other major cities across the country," Magboky Mayor said.

Unfortunately, residents say that politicians who go to the area for election campaigns always use the bridges to gather votes and support, but after assuming political positions or public offices, they leave the bridges alone. It says that it will be.

Young people from different communities and villages will come together during the rainy season, when the bridge situation is always worse, to temporarily construct a bridge on the site, but the chief said it will not always last for long.

Chief Pa Alimamy Forna said the materials used in the work also came from funds donated by local residents, as well as some individuals and philanthropists.

The community said it is calling on the government to review the bridge situation to end the suffering of people in these poor communities.