New wave of suffering in the capital
Some sections of the media have hinted the planned protest of the citizenry over the difficulty they encounter in moving from one destination to another, mainly in the capital, Freetown due to acute transport shortage
In any case, if there will be any protest against the insensitivity of those in authority with regards the transport crisis, as reported in the local press, that protest is long over due. Indeed, ordinary Sierra Leoneans have been suffering for far too long from this chronic state of affairs, both physically and mentally.
As a matter of fact, at the outset of this present regime, people complained of hardship occasioned by high cost of living. When it first started, the rising cost of living even for basic food items was blamed on what came to be known as ‘global’. The economic down turn in the west was said to have strangulated third world countries, especially those in Africa, south of the Sahara.
The excuse was if it was happening in other countries what is different about Sierra Leone. So Sierra Leoneans needed to endure or ‘disappear’, it was the thinking then.
However, with time we came to realize that things were equally as bad in other countries as ours, especially with neighbours. But with keen and committed leadership these countries are sorting out their problems gradually.
In Sierra Leone, on the other hand, we seem to be jumping from one frying pot to another. If it were not a shortage of pure drinking water, it will be irregular supply of electricity, thus adding to the cost of doing business in the country.
Recently, people have been complaining of bad roads, particularly in the city. They have also been grumbling over the poor sanitary condition of our ancient city, less than a year after our golden jubilee celebration.
But like we stated earlier, a new wave of suffering is now causing pain and suffering for city dwellers: that of the daily struggle to secure a commercial vehicle to reach one’s destination, namely, poda-poda or taxi. Where this is not possible the people have to endure the long walk too and fro across the city.
When the APC party came to power in 2007, one of their assurances was to make transportation affordable so the people can go about their businesses with ease. To day this is different kettle of fish.
Those hardest hit are people residing in the east of the capital including those living in Waterloo and its environs.
The fact of the matter is the Government cannot provide adequate transportation for its citizenry. The private sector is helping to salvage the situation, but giving the mass of people living in this city, there is not much they can do.
The attitude of the commercial motorist has not helped matters. And in a country where law and order are so cheap to uphold, it has become a field day for reckless commercial drivers.
Thus, the magnitude of the suffering is beyond description. Therefore it will come as a surprise if traumatized residents took to the street their right to free movement in their capital.
Enough is enough!
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