By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
The Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Aviation, led by Hon. Ambrose Maada Lebby, conducted an oversight visit to Autospect SL Limited at Mile Six in the Western Rural District of Sierra Leone. This visit was part of the committee’s constitutional mandate to scrutinize the operations of Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and businesses engaged with the Government of Sierra Leone.
Autospect SL Limited, contracted by the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), is responsible for the production of vehicle licenses, fitness tests, number plates, and life cards. The committee’s visit aimed to evaluate Autospect’s operations, including license issuance, vehicle fitness tests, revenue generation, tax obligations, and employee welfare.
Hon. Ambrose Maada Lebby emphasized that the visit was in line with the committee’s powers under the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone to investigate the activities of MDAs and government-affiliated businesses. He recalled that Autospect had been previously examined by the committee in the Fifth Parliament, during which the company’s agreement with SLRSA was reviewed. The chairman noted that the addendum to the initial agreement, which increased SLRSA’s revenue viability from 10% to 20%, was not ratified at that time, leading to the committee’s current investigation.
During the visit, the committee probed into the revenue generated by Autospect, the amount transferred to SLRSA, tax contributions to the government, and the status of work and resident permits, among other aspects. Hon. Lebby cited sections of the constitution that empower the committee to conduct such investigations, affirming that their inquiry was not meant to intimidate but to ensure accountability to the public.
In response, Muhieddine Itani, Managing Director of Autospect SL Limited, presented the company’s financial performance for 2023. He revealed that the sale of motorcycle (MC) plates and licenses had resulted in significant revenue losses for SLRSA, with total losses amounting to NLe 5.1 million due to price disparities. However, adjustments in 2024 have led to an increase in SLRSA revenues, with an estimated total of over NLe 29 million compared to NLe 18.5 million in 2023.
Itani also highlighted the introduction of the Life Card, which is expected to contribute an estimated NLe 5 million to SLRSA’s revenues in 2024. He further disclosed that in 2023, 33,320 vehicles were newly registered, with 65% being motorcycles, though compliance during renewals dropped to 24%.
To address these challenges, Itani proposed the introduction of pre-registration for all motorbikes at ports and borders, as well as a phased approach to vehicle fitness assessments. He assured the committee of Autospect’s commitment to enhancing road safety and public awareness, and requested the committee’s support in raising awareness about vehicle fitness.
