Sierra Leone Parliament Approves Increase in Tollgate Tariff
In a unanimous decision, the Sixth Parliament of Sierra Leone has agreed to adjust toll tariffs for the Wellington-Massiaka Toll Road, a 62-kilometer dual-carriage route inaugurated in 2016.
The adjustment, recommended following a relatively uncontroversial debate, aims to address concerns raised by various stakeholders.
The decision, reached during the 47th plenary session, was based on a report presented by Honorable Bashiru Silikie, Deputy Leader of Government Business and Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Works and Public Assets. The report highlighted the need for transparency, accountability, and consideration of citizens’ interests in the adjustment process.
The inquiry into the proposed tariff adjustment was initiated in response to a resolution passed by the House on February 29, 2024. The Committee’s review, prompted by a notification from the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, revealed significant opposition to the proposed tariffs from activists and trade unionists.
According to Clause 10.4 of the concession agreement, toll tariffs are subject to adjustment based on fluctuations in the exchange rate. The Committee noted that the exchange rate had varied by 205%, obligating the government to adhere to the agreement’s provisions.
The approved adjusted tariffs include increases for various vehicle groups, with the aim of providing relief for all stakeholders. Additionally, the Committee emphasized the importance of a comprehensive review of the entire concession agreement, as mandated every three years.
While the Committee acknowledged the reliability of updated base traffic data provided by relevant authorities, some members expressed a preference for access to raw data. Furthermore, the Committee absolved the China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) from the responsibility of constructing alternative routes, emphasizing the government’s role in ensuring safe and functional transportation infrastructure.
CRSG was urged to clarify its ongoing and future Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, with a call for regular reporting to Parliament on the progress and outcomes of these activities.
Salone don don ya…. what a wicked government….
Hmm
Aaaaaa SLPP nar bad people dem be do wae dem vote 4 unar…now nar so unar dae pay dem back with pain and cry nar dem heart
More suffering for the provincial people,price of food items are going to soar
What a mess😔
Bio slpp God will judge you for what you’re doing to the people’s of this country.
Bio has force himself to be president because he has know were to get money 💰 from international partners that is why he is busying killing the mercies ,did he truly like this country and people
He was the same person condemning thus toll gate
The worst decision this government can ever take is this. I see prices of everything to soar, they really don’t have the interest of the people.
What a mess…
It is expedient to know that when either it is by the majority or by rig, when the wrong person is placed in such position of trust the whole populace faces the consequences that follows.
And it has proven worthwhile that personal interest surpasses the masses interest in this ongoing administration.
The people’s cry is no longer heard.
It shall be well with us all.
Have you people forget that A P C messup everything
Aaaaa! Toll gate go up again? Continuous depression for Sierra Leoneans. Price inflation, hence basic commodities cannot be afford so easily, salary still remain d same, suffering upon suffering. Leh God help we.
More borden to the common Sierra Leoneans.
Maada Bio wan kill we all fos B4 ihn lef pawa.
But God nor go shame us.
The worst Government ever in the history of Sierra Leone 🇸🇱😓😓
E wef, e bad pass e man sef. Dem all two get for die worwor!!!
Bio u are a disgrace to the nation of sierra Leone God Almighty will punish ur entire family.
Aaaa we! This e dom mona we o Papa government. Duya una reduce back the toll fee cuz tin for eat sef nor dae en rice just dae go up lek nor to for nation.
Sometimes insanity engulfs reckless people in the name of politics. We can all attest to the fact that the agreement entered into deceitful EBK Govt with CRSG wasn’t good at all. How can you tag increasement to Dollar exchange rate? Why didn’t they negotiate for a fixed price repayment plan as the years CRSG should recover loan and interests?
I partially blame this Govt to have inherited this agreement without checking on its terms. What is the use for Masiaka tollgate? It’s just a more burden/ exploitation on people. With the increase now we are compelled to pay higher transportation for goods and people plying this Road.