The government of Sierra Leone through the Minister of Works, Dr. Denis Sandi has announced an increase to Toll Gate prices in the country effective from March 1, 2024.

The increase, a result of a clause in the 2017 agreement with China Railway Sixth Group (CRSG) aims to address several factors, including currency fluctuations and road damage caused by overloaded vehicles.

Sandi explained that the contract allows for toll adjustments if the US Dollar market value increases by more than 10%. “There is a clause in the contract the past government signed with the Chinese investors that if there is an increase of over 10% of the market value of the US Dollar, there will be a reconsideration of the toll rates,” he said.

With the exchange rate jumping from 7,500 Leones in 2017 to 23,000 Leones currently, Sandi said the significant increase qualified for renegotiation.

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Additionally, Minister Sandi highlighted the issue of overloaded vehicles exceeding the ECOWAS weight limit of 53 tonnes. These vehicles, often reaching 90 tonnes or more, contribute significantly to road damage, and the new tolls will serve as a deterrent.

While acknowledging the financial loss incurred by the Chinese company, Minister Sandi emphasized their cooperation in revising the tolls to remain reasonable for users.

“We believe that as a government, the Chinese have conducted themselves remarkably and have respected our own demands to make the new tolls reasonable enough, considering the fact that they have been losing a total of 6 Million dollars a year,” Sandi stated.

The new toll rates, applicable at all three toll gates (Hastings, Songo and Masiaka), are categorized into six groups namely:

Group 1 – Keke: Revised from Le1 to Le 3
Group 2 – Taxis: Revised from Le 2 to Le 5
Group 3 – SUVs, Pickup Jeeps, and Mini Buses: Revised from Le 4 to Le 10
Group 4 – Small and Light Vans: Revised from Le 18 to Le 40
Group 5 – Heavy-Duty Vehicles: Revised from Le 183 to Le 700
Group 6 – Fuel Tankers: Revised from Le 100 to Le 250 (Note: Only when loaded with fuel)