Freetown Lungi Bridge Photo Debunked As AI Creation
A recent online claim suggested that a picture of the Lungi Bridge in Freetown, Sierra Leone, was authentic. However, this claim is false. The image in question is not a real photograph but was generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Viral Claim: A Bridge Too Good To Be True?
A Facebook page, Queen Biba Blog, recently shared an image captioned: "Lungi Bridge, Freetown, Sierra Leone." The picture displayed a long, impressive bridge over water, creating the impression that the current government had successfully completed the Lungi Bridge project.
This post quickly gained traction online, causing considerable confusion among Sierra Leoneans on various social media platforms. Many believed the Lungi Bridge had been constructed secretly and was already operational. Some users even congratulated the government, assuming the long-awaited bridge project was finally a reality. The image sparked numerous discussions, questions, and debates across the internet.
Unmasking the Truth: The Investigation Begins
To ascertain the facts behind the viral image, DUBAWA, a fact-checking organization, initiated a verification process. This involved using specialized tools to test the picture's authenticity.
AI-Generated: Evidence and Official Confirmation
DUBAWA utilized an AI detection tool, Illuminarty.ai, to analyze the image. The analysis revealed compelling evidence: the results indicated a high probability score of 96.6% that the photo was AI-generated.
Further investigation involved DUBAWA contacting Mr. Paul Buckarie, the Chief Director at the Ministry of Works and Public Assets. Mr. Buckarie confirmed that the picture is false and does not depict any real bridge in Sierra Leone. He stated clearly that the Lungi Bridge is not currently being constructed in Freetown or anywhere else in the country. He affirmed that the image was a fake, created with an AI image generation tool.
No Bridge in Reality: Checking Official Sources
In addition to these findings, a review of official news channels and government websites showed no announcements regarding the completion of any Lungi Bridge project. There has been no media coverage, no official commissioning ceremony, and no physical evidence on the ground to suggest that such a bridge exists.
Conclusion: The Verdict on the Lungi Bridge Image
Based on the evidence, DUBAWA concludes that the photo shared by Queen Biba Blog, purportedly showing the Lungi Bridge in Freetown, is false and AI-generated. Currently, no such Lungi Bridge exists in Sierra Leone. The image is a product of Artificial Intelligence and not an actual photograph of a real-world structure.
