Reverend Smart K. Senesie, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), played a prominent role at the 11th West Africa Road Safety Organization (WARSO) General Assembly held from July 3rd to 6th.

The theme of the assembly was “Towards a mid-term review of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021-2030): Lead Agencies Appraisals.” Rev. Senesie delivered a well-received presentation on the performance of road safety agencies and the African Action Plan (2021-2030).

Rev. Senesie showcased the significant progress made by SLRSA since its inception in 1996. He emphasized how the agency has become a leader in road safety for Sierra Leone, fully aligning its efforts with the five pillars of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety and the African Action Plan.

Rev. Senesie acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by SLRSA. Inadequate funding, capacity gaps hindering the full implementation of road safety standards, limited equipment for data collection, and ongoing road hazards were identified as key obstacles.

Despite these challenges, Rev. Senesie expressed his unwavering commitment to improving road safety in Sierra Leone. He acknowledged the vital support provided by the government and the advocacy efforts of the First Lady in her role as Road Safety Ambassador. These efforts recently culminated in a visit from the UN Special Envoy on Road Safety, Jean Todt, in June.