SLRSA Popularizes Operations In Western Rural District
The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) on Thursday 9th July, 2015 popularized its operations in the Western Rural District of Waterloo and Tombo about the its essence and road safety.
The event was held at the Tombo Lorry Park.
SLRSA’s Public Relations Officer, Abdul Karim Dumbuya, informed that SLRSA changed its name on 17th December, 2014 from the Sierra Leone Road Transport Authority (SLRTA) to the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) to among others regulate road safety, issue licenses to drivers and riders of motorbikes as well as license vehicles.
Abdul Karim Dumbuya admonished drivers and bike riders to adhere to the rules and regulations of the SLRSA as annual awards would be presented to the best park that adheres to the rules.
He informed that the criteria includes updating of their vehicles and motorbikes; drivers and riders licenses, adherence to road signs and road safety messages pointing out that most of the vehicles and motorbikes plying the Waterloo-Tombo route are unlicensed and do not update their records.
Abdul Karim Dumbuya enlightened, “SLRSA is now at your doorsteps as it has established an outlet along the Waterloo-Masiaka Highway to prevent you from going to headquarters at Kissy Road. Furthermore, the Authority considers drivers and bike riders partners in development to enhance road safety. The charges drivers and bike riders pay are utilized for road construction and maintenance in the country.”
He further stated that the Authority is trying to establish offices nationwide to reduce the burden of drivers and bike riders going to headquarters to regular their status.
Daniel Katabie, Head of Vehicle Examiners, said that the accident rate is on the increase, especially in Waterloo due to the rainy season affirming that some accidents are preventable but for the recklessness of drivers noting, “we should learn to accommodate everyone on the road.”
Traffic Warden’s Administrative Secretary, Alimamy Sesay, aka Marcus, disclosed that people should see Traffic Wardens as partners in development enforcing traffic regulations to reduce accidents, called on them to report Traffic Wardens for unprofessionalism and not to offer them money for violating traffic offences.
SLRSA License Department’s Director, Ibrahim Sagbah reiterated that drivers and bike riders are stakeholders and partners in the development of the Authority and the country intimating that road funds are derived from licenses and other road charges and continued that they are mandated to prevent unlicensed vehicles and drivers from plying the streets for which they have simplified the issuance of licenses and other documents.
He cautioned, “driving without a driver’s license and an unlicensed vehicle is a serious crime. Furthermore, the Authority is on a rebranding process and deploying its personnel nationwide to enforce road safety for which I am appealing to all to adhere to the Authority’s best practices.”
He said that the next time the Authority visits the area is to implement and enforce its mandate.
The President of the Sierra Leone Motor Drivers; Union, Alpha Bah cautioned his colleagues to always have their documents in their possession and be law abiding disclosing that in other countries, drivers are not charged to court but fined for violating traffic offences.
The President of the Commercial Motorbike Riders, David Sesay also admonished his members to re-license their bikes and to adhere to traffic rules and regulations to reduce accidents.
The managements of the lorry parks at Waterloo and Tombo have prevented unlicensed vehicles and drivers from entering the parks.
The popularization of the Authority’s operations will continue nationwide.
By Abdul R. Bedor Kamara
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