About two weeks ago, the Government of Sierra Leone reduced the pump prices of petroleum products from NLe 30 to NLe 27. However, this reduction has not been reflected in transport fares, as drivers have failed to lower their prices.

This situation has sparked widespread debate among citizens, who are now calling on the government, the Drivers’ Union, and the Ministry of Transport to issue a press release, not only informing the public about the fuel price reduction but also regulating transport fares to match the new fuel prices.

In a Vox Pop conducted by Concord Times’ Sheku Suma and Ibrahim L. Turay on Monday, several residents of Freetown shared their thoughts on the matter.

Kimball Kemoh, Trader:

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“I often see strikes and parked vehicles when there is a fuel shortage, but when the pump price is reduced, many of us don’t even know about it because we aren’t listening to the radio. Drivers should not take advantage of the situation. Even without a government announcement, they should reduce the fares. As a trader, I think the government should announce such reductions so that we don’t continue paying the old prices. When the price rises, drivers immediately charge us more, but when it drops, they don’t reduce the fares.”

Aminata Mansary, Businesswoman:

“I conduct my business in Waterloo and spend over NLe 20 just to get there. Business is hard for us, and I still have to spend the same amount to return home. We need the government to intervene and reduce transport fares so we can manage our costs.”

Ramatu Kargbo, Student:

“As a citizen, I am looking forward to an official press release from the government with directives on how public transport should operate. Without it, drivers will continue to charge the same high fares.”

Sallay Mansary, Petty Trader:

“I live in Waterloo and spend almost NLe 18 just to get to Eastern Police, where I do business. I know the fuel price has been reduced, but transportation costs are still high for us. I am not happy with the current fares, as they don’t reflect the lower fuel prices. We often argue with drivers about this. The government needs to give clear directives on transport fares for different routes.”

Mohamed Kemoh, Painter and Mastic Designer:

“I wasn’t aware of the fuel price reduction until you told me. I still pay NLe 7 daily from St John to Lumley, and it’s frustrating because it’s a waste of money. The cost of living is tough, and this situation makes it worse. We need the authorities to intervene.”

Aminata Fofanah, Petty Trader:

“I travel from Waterloo to Sani Abacha Street and spend more than NLe 15 on transport. The government has reduced fuel prices, but drivers are still overcharging us. We need to work together as a country to move forward, but instead, we are hurting ourselves. I plead with the drivers to reduce fares, as we are suffering.”

Elizabeth Auber, Hairdresser:

“For passengers like us who rely on public transport, the reduction in fuel prices hasn’t benefited us because we are still paying the same fares we did when fuel was NLe 30 per litre. This is affecting our daily lives, as a lot of our income goes toward transportation. I am calling on the government to help reduce transport fares.”