SLRSA Showcases Achievements and Road Safety Plans at Sector Retreat

The Ministry of Transport and Aviation’s five-day sector retreat concluded successfully at the Njala Venue in Bo, with the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) presenting a comprehensive report on its achievements, ongoing initiatives, and future plans to enhance road safety nationwide.

In the highlight of the retreat, Augustine Kaitongi, Director of Safety and Enforcement, delivered an extensive presentation on the Authority’s strategic efforts under the leadership of Executive Director James Bagie Bio. The delegation was led by Deputy Executive Director Abraham Josie Scott-Manga and included directorate heads and senior management staff.

During the presentation, Kaitongi outlined key ventures undertaken by the SLRSA, including the establishment of a Highway Management Unit at Mile 91, deployment of handheld digital devices for ticketing and vehicle validation, and creation of a Crash Situation Room with a dedicated toll-free line (844). The Authority has also carried out road safety education campaigns targeting schools, lorry parks, and transport hubs.

Strengthened collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Drivers’ Union, Keke Riders Union, and the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA) has facilitated traffic management and the development of a credible database of transport operators. Other initiatives highlighted include the introduction of free road safety checklists for motorists, a robust MOT testing system for all new vehicles aligned with the national vehicle age limit policy, accession to the Africa Road Safety Charter, active participation in WARSO and the Association of African Road Safety Lead Agencies, intensified road safety enforcement, prohibition of 431 unsafe container-carrying/haulage vehicles, and the provision of first-aid kits.

Looking ahead, the SLRSA outlined ambitious plans, including decentralizing driving licence services across all 19 stations, establishing a Road Safety Trust Fund to support crash victims, expanding digital payment systems for fines and services, conducting nationwide road safety audits, developing a vehicle routing framework with the SLPTA, enhancing data collection and integrity with sector partners, and partnering with the Freetown City Council to regulate street parking.

Deputy Executive Director Abraham Josie Scott-Manga emphasized that these reforms reflect SLRSA’s commitment to a tech-enabled, innovative transport management system. He expressed optimism that ongoing reforms and strengthened collaboration within the transport sector will continue to position the Authority as a premier agency under the Ministry of Transport and Aviation.

The retreat concluded with a collective commitment from all 10 participating agencies to strengthen coordination, enhance service delivery, and advance Sierra Leone’s transport sector for safer and more efficient mobility.