By Kadiatu Sankoh
The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has proposed a NLe885.4 million and US$375.8 million budget for FY2027, with a call for the introduction of a US$0.10 per litre Road User Charge to strengthen road maintenance financing.
The proposal was presented during the ongoing Bilateral Budget Discussions at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown.
SLRA is seeking NLe235.9 million for maintenance and operations, including NLe212.6 million for national road maintenance, and NLe50.6 million for personnel costs.
The Authority is also requesting NLe598.9 million for Government-funded capital projects, alongside US$293.4 million for projects contracted in US dollars. Donor-funded projects are estimated at US$82.4 million, with a US$14.3 million Government counterpart contribution.
SLRA urged the Ministry of Finance to ensure the timely release of its 80% share of Road Maintenance Activities, estimated at NLe532.1 million, and to incorporate the proposed US$0.10 per litre Road User Charge into the Finance Act and fuel pricing formula.
The Authority also called for continued funding of critical urban roads and bridges, timely counterpart financing for donor projects, and support for the Axle Load and Vehicle Overload Control Regulation 2025, citing overloaded vehicles as a major cause of road deterioration.
The Ministry of Finance acknowledged the concerns, while noting the limited fiscal space and the need for MDAs to prioritize high-impact projects.