Two hundred civil society organizations, led by Edmond Abu, has presented a five-point position paper to the Chairman and Clerk of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Works and Public Assets, acting on behalf of the citizens of Sierra Leone on Monday, March 18, 2024.

The Presentation came after their last consultative meeting at the committee room, where they crisscrossed the 16 political districts to hold consultations with Ordinary Citizens, and CSOs across.

The position paper was received by Hon. Bashiru Silkie, Deputy Leader of Government Business and Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Works and Public Assets, in his office at the Parliament Building in Tower Hill.

Among their demands, the civil society organizations requested that one of the three toll gates along the Wellington Masiaka Highway be removed, that the agreement be reviewed in accordance with the provisions of Article 22.15, and that CRSG vacate all blockades they have created on and around the three alternative routes.

Additionally, they called for an immediate independent investigation, an independent engineer, and an auditor’s report on the agreement, emphasizing the opposition of citizens and civil society organizations to any fee increases and urging that the existing fees be maintained until a thorough investigation is completed.

Meanwhile, the Parliament of Sierra Leone put on hold the proposed increment on toll gate fees, which was to take effect today March 1, 2024, until further notice.

Minister of Works and Public Affairs, Dr. Dennis Sandy earlier tabled in the House of Parliament the Review of the toll fee charges.

Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Chernor Abass Bundu said the review should be put on hold until Parliament has diligently investigated the various concerns and proposals made by the public.