Citizens Bastardize Tollgate Increment
By Sall Tee Jay
The Sierra Leone Government, under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, has announced a new increase in tollgate fees, creating more hardship for the masses. The new increment, which is yet to reach parliament, has been announced by the country’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernoh Bah.
The tollgate contract, signed under the previous APC-led government of President Ernest Bai Koroma, was initiated as part of the government’s agreement for the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and widening of the Wellington-Masiaka Highway. The 27-year contract, which became a topic of discussion at the time, is among several Chinese projects in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leoneans now see China as the new colonial master, evidenced by the dominance and proliferation of Chinese companies in the country. There are some schools of thought that hold the view that Sierra Leone is now in the pocket of the Chinese.
They are all over the place, taking ownership of the country. Therefore, it will not be a surprise if we wake up one morning and see that Chinese nationals are in control of every sector. They are in Agriculture, Mining, Energy, Roads, Fishing, to name but a few. In all of these, the Chinese are known for providing cheap labor, and this is slowly affecting the workforce, causing serious economic challenges to the entire nation. It is not bad for the Chinese to invest, but what makes it bad is when the Chinese are being favored to be awarded contracts as against Sierra Leoneans. This brings to mind the case of ARISE IIP, a company brought by Ambassador Anthony Junior Navo. ARISE IIP, which is widely known for investments in other countries, declared interest to invest in Sierra Leone.
Ambassador Navo’s dream was thwarted by the Bio Government after the Chinese Embassy allegedly influenced a Port and Rail Contract for a Chinese company in the name of China Kingho, now Leone Rock. To date, the rest is history. As if the Chinese now have the Sierra Leone Government in its pockets, there comes the issue of an increase in tollgate fees being managed by the Chinese. Even the Wellington-Masiaka Road, which has been the subject of the tollgate contract, remains a misery in the eyes of the masses.
The situation described suggests that there are issues pertaining to an incremental adjustment in tollgate fees in Sierra Leone. The term “citizens criticize increment” indicates a strong negative reaction or opposition to the tollgate fee increase. It implies that the citizens are expressing their discontent or dissatisfaction with the decision to raise toll fees. This could potentially lead to protests, non-compliance, or other forms of resistance by the citizens.
In such scenarios, it is crucial for the authorities to engage in constructive dialogue with the citizens to understand their concerns and address them effectively. Transparency in communication about the reasons for the fee increment and its intended benefits could help alleviate tensions. Moreover, exploring alternative solutions or compromises that take into account the citizens’ perspectives, can contribute to finding a resolution that is satisfactory to all parties involved.
Additionally, ensuring that proper channels for feedback and grievance redressal are in place, can help manage any discontent or backlash from the citizens. It is essential to approach such situations with empathy, patience, and a willingness to listen and find mutually acceptable solutions. By fostering a spirit of collaboration and understanding, authorities can work towards resolving the issue in a manner that upholds both the interests of the state and the concerns of the citizens.