Salone celebrates hardship @ 50
“The costs of rice, oil and other commodities accelerate in an unmatched manner, hence the untold hardship on society. We see no hope at all.”
Words as mentioned above reveal heartfelt sufferings befalling homes of residents of Sierra Leone, especially Freetonians.
It is a fact though that the price for a bag of rice has skyrocketed to an unimaginable Le200,000; overshadowing salaries of a number of civil servants, including private employees of society.
Rice, unlike other commodities is Sierra Leone’s staple food and has a wider market value.
That apart, the price of petroleum products has been raised to Le22,500 hence the addition of Le5,000 to the usual Le17,500.
As at 2007, the price of rice was little below Le 80,000. Fuel oil was at Le11.500. Of course, the foreign exchange- US Dollar, which is now at Le4,500 was at Le 2,500.
It is a believable fact that homes in Freetown have had twitchy moments meditating the high cost of living.
Faces of Sierra Leoneans have had curved (contour) lines due to untold hardship.
Streets, highways, corners and off roads are over choked with unemployed and empty stomach youths.
Even the price of a plate of ‘cookery’ locally cooked food is apparently far above daily earnings of the less privileged.
Almost, all, including street beggars cry over the uncontrolled rise in the price of basic food stuffs.
It could be recalled that the theme for Sierra Leone’s independence talks about ‘celebrating a new Sierra Leone.’
To the understanding of all, it means absolute renovation of Sierra Leone from that of a corrupt and undeveloped society, to one that is straightforward, honest and promoting.
It sounds unfortunate though that after Sierra Leone’s celebration of its Independence on April 27th, it was instantaneously told that the price of fuel has been unwarrantedly increased.
Disheartening most was oil marketers’ announcement of a change of measurement in the sale of fuel oil from imperial to metric system.
Days after the increase, local as well as international business people unexpectedly raised the price of their commodities unrestrained.
The dawn of what is now called ‘price hike’ has seen youths giving 21 days ultimatum to government for the unconditional reduction of the price of petrol and a return to the old metric system or they will have no option, but to come out in their numbers to voice out their displeasure.
As at today, government has had mounting pressure from both the youths and civil society on issues adjoining recent increases in the price of fuel oil and the change from imperial to metric.
More details next publication.
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