By Kadiatu Sankoh
On Tuesday, 17th September 2024, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s press conference highlighted key developments across various sectors, including transport, aviation, ports, public transport, and road safety. Led by Minister Chernor Bah, the press conference provided updates on critical national issues, from disaster response efforts to strategic sectoral reforms aimed at advancing President Bio’s vision for Sierra Leone’s development. The following are the key highlights:
Minister Chernor Bah’s Condolences for Building Collapse Victims
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, who had returned to Sierra Leone after a two-week stay in London, where he was honored as the 2024 Archbishop Desmond Tutu Fellow, expressed sympathy to the victims of the seven-story building that collapsed at Shell, New Road, assuring citizens that the government would fully support the victims and thoroughly investigate the cause of the disaster. He extended condolences to the families of the bereaved on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, and announced that Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh visited the disaster site and Rokupa Hospital to assess the treatment of the survivors.
Transport and Aviation Sector Reforms: Strategic Plan and New Airlines
Rtd. Colonel Alhaji Fanday Turay, Minister of Transport and Aviation, shared his strategic plan to drive performance across the land, sea, and air transport sectors, in line with President Bio’s vision. The Minister revealed that negotiations are underway with two airlines to commence operations in Sierra Leone, with details to be announced soon. Demonstrating patriotism, Minister Turay highlighted the commendable actions of four Sierra Leoneans working at the airport, who rejected large bribes from drug traffickers and turned them over to the authorities. He also emphasized that after signing a performance contract with President Bio, he extended this contract to all departments under his ministry for similar performance evaluation.
Progress Towards Removal from Aviation Blacklist And More Flights
Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), announced efforts to remove Sierra Leone from the aviation blacklist, a status held since 2008. SLCAA has an 8-month roadmap in place, and for the first time since 2008, Sierra Leone is processing two applications for Air Operating Certificates (AOC), enabling aircraft to be registered in the country. DG Barrie also discussed initiatives to improve regional connectivity, with two airlines engaging to link Sierra Leone to Liberia, Guinea, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. The airport’s flight frequency has increased from 37 to 47 flights per week, with Brussels Airlines considering further expansion to boost this to 50 weekly flights.
Sierra Leone Ports and Harbour Authority: Digital Transformation and Job Creation
Yankuba Askia Bio, Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbour Authority (SLPHA), reported a significant increase in vessel traffic from 426 in 2022 to 435 in 2023. Import metrics rose by 9%, with 68,000 metric tons of goods imported in 2023, up from 61,000 tons in 2022. DG Bio also highlighted employment growth, with 200 new hires earning above the minimum wage, supporting President Bio’s employment drive. The Ports Authority is undergoing digital transformation, transitioning from paper-based systems to electronic processes, with €64,000 in partner funding. Additionally, the Authority has signed agreements with Arise IIP for Dry Port development and Gento Group for a transshipment port.
Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority: Improving Public Transport with Waka Fine Buses
Isaac Ken-Green, Acting Director General of the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority, explained that the Waka Fine Buses were purchased by the government and loaned to the Metro Company at a 50% discount, with no interest. The Metro Company is owned by members of the informal transport sector, including drivers of poda-podas, buses, and tricycles. The newly established Public Transport Authority, enacted by Parliament in 2023, regulates public transport operations. Waka Fine Buses currently move 21,000 passengers daily, serving over half a million people each month.
Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority: Enhancing Road Safety with New Legislation
Rev. Smart K. Senesie, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), announced plans to introduce new legislation aimed at addressing the proliferation of old vehicles, substandard spare parts, and abandoned cars on the highways. Two highway management centers have been established at Mile 91 and Magburaka to provide emergency services. Rev. Senesie also confirmed that driving licenses are now available.
Sierra Leone Maritime Administration: Safety and Compliance Improvements
Emmanuel B. A Lansana, Deputy Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, reported that 560 vessels currently fly the Sierra Leone flag, monitored by the Maritime Administration. The agency has made strides in rescue operations, saving 929 lives and recovering 8 bodies so far in 2024. DG Lansana celebrated the nation’s progress, moving from the Paris MOU blacklist to the ‘Grey list’ and reaffirming the administration’s commitment to attaining the ‘White list’ status.