In a recent parliamentary session on Thursday, February 29, 2024, the Speaker of Parliament addressed the issue of the tollgate tariff increase, emphasizing that traffic data is not to be taken lightly and must be thoroughly verified before any decisions are made.
The Speaker stressed the importance of empirical evidence in making informed decisions regarding tollgate matters. He conveyed that parliament, in the best interest of the people of Sierra Leone and to protect investors’ interests, cannot take any action without concrete and verified data.
Speaker Bundu, in a resolution directed at the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), expressed the desire for a change in the status quo. He underlined that any action taken by parliament should be within the confines of the existing agreement, acknowledging the law house’s role in addressing concerns from all parties involved.
Parliament, through the Work Committee, will investigate the traffic data submitted by the CRSG (presumably the tollgate operator) before making any decisions regarding the proposed tollgate tariff increment. The Speaker highlighted the necessity for the SLRA to go the extra mile in verifying the data to ensure transparency.
The proposed tollgate tariff increase has been temporarily suspended, with no specified date for a review until parliament concludes its investigation into the traffic data.
During the session, the Leader of Government Business, Hon Matthew Sahr Nyuma, assured that parliament would approach the tollgate matter with a listening ear, considering the concerns of all parties involved.
The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon Abdul Kargbo, echoed the sentiment of seeking the best interests of the people and investors. He emphasized that any alteration of tollgate charges should follow proper parliamentary procedures and be subject to debate and approval.
Parliament urged all stakeholders to exercise patience as they delve into the issue, emphasizing that any unilateral changes to tollgate charges would be deemed unlawful. The legislative body remains committed to a fair and thorough examination of the tollgate tariff increase.