– SLRSA Implicated

 By Mackie M Jalloh

On Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024, chaos unfolded at the SLRSA headquarters on Kissy Road, as agents of the Association Of Vehicle Registration and License took to the streets in protest. Led by Hassan Kanu, Chairman of the Vehicle Registration and License Association, the protestors raised concerns over exorbitant increase of fees  and questionable practices by Autospec, a company contracted by SLRSA. The situation highlights a growing controversy surrounding the transparency of Autospec’s operations and the management of SLRSA.

Autospec, a company owned by a foreign businessman, FAWAZ, has come under fire for its lack of transparency and alleged exploitation of citizens. Since its inception, Autospec has implemented drastic fee increases, with increments exceeding 200% in some cases. Initially, the fee hikes were attributed to the company’s establishment phase, but subsequent increases, including those for vehicle registration and license plates, have left citizens and agents alike burdened with exorbitant costs.

Furthermore, Autospec’s operations have been shrouded in secrecy, with fee hikes announced abruptly without prior consultation or public notice. The lack of transparency has fueled suspicion among citizens and agents, who feel marginalized and exploited by the company’s practices. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the quality of service provided by Autospec, with reports of inadequate infrastructure and poor customer service at its offices.

The controversy surrounding Autospec is compounded by allegations of mismanagement and collusion within SLRSA. Despite initially contracting Autospec for fitness inspections only, SLRSA has gradually delegated a significant portion of its duties to the company, including vehicle registration and license issuance. This expansion of Autospec’s role was not part of the original agreement between the government and the company, raising questions about SLRSA’s decision-making processes and accountability.

Moreover, claims of financial support from SLRSA management to establish the Association Of Vehicle Registration and License have further fueled the controversy. While the agents assert recognition by SLRSA, the latter denies any affiliation with the group, leading to confusion and distrust among stakeholders. The contradictory statements highlight a lack of transparency and accountability within SLRSA, exacerbating tensions between management and agents.

The financial implications of Autospec’s fee increases have placed a significant burden on citizens, particularly those reliant on SLRSA services for vehicle registration and licensing. The abrupt nature of the fee hikes, coupled with the lack of consultation or warning, has left many struggling to afford essential services. For businesses and individuals alike, the escalating costs associated with vehicle registration and licensing pose a threat to financial stability and economic livelihoods.

Furthermore, the controversy surrounding Autospec and SLRSA’s management has eroded public trust in government institutions responsible for regulating and overseeing transportation services. The perceived lack of accountability and transparency has fueled discontent and disillusionment among citizens, who demand greater transparency and fairness in the provision of essential services.

In response to the escalating tensions, agents of the Association Of Vehicle Registration and License have mobilized to demand accountability and transparency from both Autospec and SLRSA. Through protests and advocacy efforts, they seek to compel authorities to address the grievances of citizens and agents alike. Key demands include the reversal of fee increases, greater oversight of Autospec’s operations, and transparency in decision-making processes within SLRSA.

Moving forward, stakeholders must engage in constructive dialogue to address the underlying issues and restore trust in the vehicle registration and licensing process. This includes revisiting the terms of engagement with Autospec, enhancing transparency and accountability within SLRSA, and prioritizing the needs and concerns of citizens. Only through collaborative efforts can a sustainable and equitable solution be achieved, ensuring fair and accessible transportation services for all Sierra Leoneans.

The protests at the SLRSA headquarters underscore deep-seated concerns regarding the transparency of Autospec’s operations and the management of SLRSA. Allegations of financial impropriety, collusion, and exploitation have galvanized agents and citizens to demand accountability and fairness in the provision of essential services. As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders must prioritize dialogue and cooperation to address the root causes of discontent, and restore public trust in the vehicle registration and licensing process. Failure to do so risks further erosion of confidence in government institutions and an exacerbation of social tensions.

Additionally, reaching out to the Executive Director of SLRSA through WhatsApp for comments, it was revealed that he has been ill for several days and was not available, and several attempts to reach out to his PRO via whatsapp messages and on normal calls proved futile. This absence of the Executive leadership further adds to the frustration and sense of uncertainty surrounding the situation, leaving stakeholders with unanswered questions and deepening the need for transparency and accountability within SLRSA.