…Along Waterloo-Masiaka Highway
The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has intensified enforcement operations against unregulated garages along the crucial Waterloo – Masiaka highway. Under the leadership of Executive Director, Mr. James Bagie Bio, the SLRSA has taken decisive action to address the proliferation of makeshift garages and vulcanising points that pose serious safety risks to motorists and obstruct the flow of traffic along this busy corridor.
The operation, which commenced last week, in collaboration with the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Waterloo Division, is part of a broader initiative by the SLRSA to restore order and structure in the industrial community along the highway. According to Mr. Bio, the enforcement drive aims to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations governing garage operations, while highlighting the essential role these garages play in maintaining road safety.
Speaking during the enforcement exercise, Mr. Bio stated, “This action forms part of the Authority’s renewed mandate and commitment to prioritise road safety across all sectors. Garages are an integral part of road safety, and we are mandated by law to regulate their operations and ensure full compliance.” He underscored the importance of having organized and regulated garages to prevent accidents and enhance overall road user safety.
The Waterloo – Masiaka corridor is notorious for its heavy traffic, with thousands of vehicles traversing it daily. Over time, the emergence of unregulated roadside garages has exacerbated the challenges facing motorists, leading to unsafe working conditions and often causing unnecessary traffic delays. These makeshift sites not only lack proper infrastructure, but also operate without the necessary licenses, putting drivers and passengers at risk.
The SLRSA’s enforcement operation targets these non-compliant garage owners and vulcanisers, sending a clear message that such practices will no longer be tolerated. Mr. Bio emphasized that the operation will continue until sanity and order are fully restored along the corridor. He warned that failure to comply with the established regulations will lead to appropriate sanctions against offending parties, including fines and potential closure of illegal operations.
Local residents and commuters have welcomed the SLRSA proactive measures, expressing hope that the enforcement action will lead to improved safety conditions along the highway. “It’s about time something was done,” said a local driver who frequently uses the corridor. “These unregulated garages create chaos, and its often difficult to navigate through them. I believe this operation will help reduce accidents and make our roads safer.”
The initiative is part of a larger strategy by the SLRSA to improve overall road safety in Sierra Leone, a nation that has faced significant challenges with traffic management and road safety compliance. In recent years, the authorities have taken various steps, including public awareness campaigns and partnerships with local communities, to promote adherence to road safety regulations.
As part of the enforcement operation, the SLRSA has also engaged with garage owners to educate them on the importance of operating within the legal framework and maintaining safety standards. “We recognize that garages play a vital role in our transportation ecosystem; however, they must operate in a way that does not compromise safety,” Mr. Bio added.
The SLRSA’s commitment to ensuring compliance comes at a critical juncture as Sierra Leone prepares for forthcoming national elections, where issues of public safety and governance will be at the forefront of discussions. By prioritising road safety and the regulation of garage operations, the SLRSA is aligning itself with broader national objectives that seek to uphold the rule of law and foster a safer environment for all citizens.
As the SLRSA continues its crackdown on unregulated garages along the Waterloo – Masiaka highway, the hope remains that these efforts will lead to structural improvements within the industrial sector, ultimately contributing to enhanced safety and efficiency on one of the country’s most vital transport routes. The community anticipates a future where compliance with safety regulations becomes the norm rather than the exception, fostering a culture of accountability among garage operators.