By David Yankay Sesay, Liberty Online TV. 

Traffic congestion has emerged as one of the major challenges facing Freetown, Sierra Leone, and has significant repercussions for vehicle, okada (motorcycle), and kekeh (tricycle) owners in the city. The rapid growth of the urban population, combined with inadequate infrastructure and increasing vehicle numbers, has led to frequent gridlocks on Freetown’s roads. This congestion affects transportation operators in various ways, creating both financial and operational difficulties.

For vehicle owners, particularly those operating taxis and private vehicles, traffic congestion leads to delays that reduce the number of trips they can make in a day. This directly impacts their earnings, as they are paid per trip. In addition, the extended time spent in traffic increases fuel consumption and maintenance costs, making it harder for drivers to maintain profitability. The wear and tear on vehicles due to constant idling and stop-and-go driving results in more frequent repairs, further burdening operators financially.

Okada (motorcycle) and kekeh (tricycle) operators, who often offer more flexible and quicker transportation options, are not immune to the effects of traffic congestion. While motorcycles and tricycles can navigate through narrow paths and side roads, they still encounter delays in heavily congested areas. As a result, operators often work longer hours to make up for lost time, but this doesn’t always translate into higher earnings due to the reduced number of trips.

In addition, both okada and kekeh operators face increased safety risks. Maneuvering through dense traffic can lead to accidents, and damaged motorcycles or tricycles add further financial strain. Many operators cannot afford the high costs of repairs, leaving them with limited options. The lack of proper infrastructure, such as dedicated lanes for motorcycles and tricycles, also contributes to their challenges, as they often have to share lanes with larger vehicles, which increases the risk of collisions.

In conclusion, traffic congestion in Freetown significantly hampers the operations of vehicle, okada, and kekeh owners, affecting their income and increasing their operational costs. Addressing these challenges requires investment in better infrastructure, improved traffic management, and the creation of safer, more efficient routes for all modes of transportation.