By Saidu Kaye Sesay, back in London.
Freetown has always had it’s own share of traffic congestions, courtesey of poor road networks, no traffic lights and an average number of traffic personnel.
The situation is however now reaching alarming proportions, which, if not checked, would be a big embarrasment not only for the citizenry, but more importantly, a put off, for the tourists and investors the country badly needs.
Whilst holidaying in Freetown last Christmas, I decided to do some journalistic exercises in collaboration with my colleague and friend Abdulai Bayratay. Our journey to Freetown started at Gatwick, London, where Bayraytay had transited from Toronto. Bayraytay decided to lodge at Aberdeen (far West), whilst I, for a change, decided to put up at Allen Town (far East), an attempt, I joked, to be with ’the people’.
Just few days into our stay, Bayraytay became unimpressed with my decision. He joked: "Kaye, by the time you beat all that traffic into town, there would be no news to report".My journeys to and from the east were usually above an hour per trip, at least. On Christmas eve, I was stuck between Circular Road and Fourah Bay Road for three hours!
Sorry, Bayratay my friend, but as you too witnessed, in Freetown today, there is news in abundance to be reported all over the place. And like I agreed with Gibs (editor of PV), I was embarking on developmental journalism.
I thought it prudent to leave the politico and socio-economic aspects to our vibrant correspondents on the ground. This, however, is not meant to downplay Bayraytay’s caution. If I did not miss any news, I indeed missed major events and meetings , all because of the traffic dilemma.
And guess what?
On my return journey to London, I missed the ferry! This cost me a fortune,( chasing the flight through a dilapidated Port Loko/Lungi route); and a link up with Dr. Seaga Shaw. In fact, I later asked myself what the fuss was all about; kicking myself for being too hopeful. Another cancelled flight. Africa!
The real cause of the traffic jams in Freetown today has become more complex than aforementioned.In addition to the initial problems mentioned above, the traffic congestion today is aided by reckless driving, influx of unruly Okadas(motor cycle taxis),off-loading of containers from the quay;omolankes and wheel-barrow pushers; beggars and the homeless; pedestrians mingling with pimps; mobile phone snatchers; nude, filthy and unwelcomed comedians who ply their uncouth talents right in the city centre, very much to the chagrin of many travellers.
To compound the problem,some of President Koroma’s constituents, the petty traders, now sell their goods right in the middle of the streets. A walk through Sani Abacha Street, Regent Street, Free Street etc would demonstrate how troubling this ill behaviour has become.
When I asked some distressed compatriots why is the government not doing anything about the situation, their simple reply was; "They (traders) voted for the Pa".In as much as I sympathise with the new government’s dilemma (knowing fully well that the SLPP’s handling of traders cost them the city and beyond), I propose, more market stalls Mr. President! Once that is accomplished, get the wholesale traders to get their wares back into their shops. The city can’t continue to live in fear of it’s own.
This lawlessness has become commonplace much to the people’s annoyance and discomfort, whilst it provides fertile grounds for thieves to thrive on. At dawn, you will witness a steady flow of vehicular and human traffic heading for the city centre and at dusk the accomplished thieves return back to their lairs to count their loot, whislt hard working families moan another day’s loss.
And in the face of all these, the police look on helplessly. But I won’t say I blame them; not with the Inspector General of Police insinuating that armed robbers and the new government are friends! (source: For Di People).
The effrontery of these common criminals lurking in the shadows of traffic rang an alarm on Boxing Day. Parading as revellers of the TETINA culture mask parade, hell was let loose, with these criminals snatching by-standers’ mobiles, jewelleries, whilst some of them, well armed, forcefully entered residences and carted away valuables.
The next day, a government minister I raised the concern with, confirmed the incident, denouncing it as "irresponsible and crude". Such denunciations are okay, but they need to be backed by a robust clampdown on culprits, Mr. Minister.
The tricks on unsuspecting motorists are simple but well mastered. If you are in town and driving alone, watch this: An assumed sympathetic pedestrian (Note: Age and sex does not count) would walk up to you and say "You’ve got a punctured tire". Don’t mind him. Even if it is true, just drag your car to safety. The trick is, once you get out of the car to check the tire they (con artists) rush into your car like locusts and cart away whatever they can lay hands on.
Ladies, don’t expose your fashionable mobiles to them. Imagine this scenario: A bulky and well dressed guy walks up to a lady speaking on her mobile. He gives her a stinging slap accross the face. As the lady slumps to the ground, he picks up the mobile, hisses loudly accusing the lady of infidelity (feigning to be the lady’s husband), and then walks away majestically. Don’t be fooled, that’s another thief gone.
Onlookers will only realise this when the lady comes to her senses and say so.If you are riding a taxi, beware. Stories are doing the rounds about these criminals riding in taxis with the connivance of the driver going around picking unsuspecting passengers. The trick is once their prey enters the car, he is well sandwiched. Once you get off, you realise too late that it was a stick up.
These are some of the real challenges of the Koroma-led government. Thankfully, with the advent of electricity, these criminals might begin to recoil to their dens. But meanwhile, the goverment can do better if the morale of the security forces is boosted, if decentralisation is practcalised, and if we can imbibe the culture of maintenance of our road networks. Then and until then, beware all ye travellers.
Photo: PV correspondent Saidu Kaye Sesay trapped in one of Freetown’s nightmarish traffic jams in December last year.
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