By Saidu Jalloh
In a press conference held at New England Ville on May 7th, 2024, Mr. Paul Bockarie, the Chief Director at the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, revealed that the Sierra Leonean Parliament has given the green light to adjust prices for the Miasaka-Wellington Tollgate.
Addressing the press, Mr. Bockarie disclosed that the ministry had received official ratification from parliament for the proposed fee increase at the tollgate. He acknowledged the economic challenges facing the nation but emphasized the importance of considering the time value of money since the last price adjustment. He noted that the new prices might seem substantial, but they align with economic realities.
Furthermore, Mr. Bockarie stated that the ministry would collaborate with parliamentary directives to implement the approved prices. He highlighted that this adjustment presented an opportunity to not only revise toll prices but also to reassess the entire concessional agreement. During parliamentary deliberations, various issues arose, but the primary focus remained on the tollgate price adjustment. Thus, the ministry has requested parliament to ensure that the adjusted prices align with the interests of Sierra Leoneans.
Mr. Bockarie assured the public of engaging in stakeholder meetings to elucidate the rationale behind the tollgate price adjustment. He pledged to address concerns raised during these discussions and incorporate clauses beneficial to both the concessionaire and the Sierra Leonean populace.
Moreover, he mentioned a clause in the agreement stipulating a toll fee increase of 10% in response to currency exchange rate fluctuations. Although overdue, the government, viewing it from a business standpoint, decided to adjust the toll fee increment.
Mrs. Christiana Queen Fofana, the Deputy Minister of Works and Public Assets, expressed that while they were not part of the initial agreement signed in 2015, they facilitated the process of seeking parliamentary approval for the price adjustment proposed by the Concessionaire Road Safety Group (CRSG).
Mrs. Fofana acknowledged the benefits the tollgate brought to Sierra Leone, including accident reduction, traffic flow improvement, and road expansion. However, she iterated the government’s reluctance towards the increment, given the prevailing economic circumstances. Despite their reservations, parliamentary approval compelled compliance.
Furthermore, Mrs. Fofana announced plans to review the agreement, with a focus on enhancing accountability. She stated that the CRSG would regularly update the public on toll collections and vehicle traffic through the tollgate. Additionally, the review aims to incorporate clauses that prevent toll fee increments solely based on currency exchange rate fluctuations.
In summary, the parliamentary approval of adjusted prices for the Miasaka-Wellington Tollgate reflects a balancing act between economic realities, public interest, and concessionaire obligations, with a commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability in tollgate operations.
