Twelve communities in Bo District have benefited from the routine maintenance of 21.5 km of feeder roads, a project led by the International Labour Organization (ILO). This initiative not only improved road infrastructure but also provided capacity building for SME contractors recommended by the District Councils, aligning with the ILO’s commitment to skill development in feeder road maintenance.
The ILO highlighted that the project provided livelihood opportunities for community members, empowering women and youths with hands-on skills and financial gains through daily wages for their participation in the road works. Residents shared that the road maintenance was crucial in supporting their families, as poor road networks had previously hindered the sale of their farm produce, leading to post-harvest losses.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude to the ILO and donors, residents noted that businesspeople now easily access their communities to buy farm produce due to the improved roads. Elfreda Bockarie, Planning and Development Officer for Bo District, representing the Chairman of the council, emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining the roads.
She encouraged residents to use the skills gained from the project to ensure the roads’ durability and extended her gratitude to the ILO and EU for their support. Driven by the ILO Opportunity Salone Programme, this initiative aims to create market linkages, connecting people and communities for enhanced economic activities.
