SLRSA strengthens working relationship with stakeholders in Kenema
As part of efforts to strengthening existing relationship between the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) and it various stakeholders/public(s) in various regions in the country, the Management of SLRA on Thursday 12 March organized a one day peace-talk/ conflict resolution workshop in the Eastern Regional Headquarter town of Kenema.
The purpose of the workshop was geared towards strengthened existing relationship between our Traffic Warden Personnel and our stakeholders i.e. The Sierra Leone Police; Administrative heads (Kenema City Mayor), Commercial Motor Bike Riders Union, Motor Drivers Union etc.
Reverend Michael Samura Chairman Board of Directors of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) who also doubled as chairman of the occasion while making his statement said the purpose of the event was to strengthen the existing relationship between the SLRSA and its various stakeholders in the Eastern Region (Kenema) taking into consideration the contributions they (stakeholders) have been playing over the years in making sure that the Authority meet its mandate as a government lead agency in promoting road safety in the country. He furthered said that the same would be replicated in all regions in the country.
Rev. Samura expressed disappointment over recent report of misunderstanding/conflict of interest between Personnel of the Safety & Enforcement (Traffic Warden) Unit and personnel of the Sierra Leone Police. He referred to such misunderstanding as unfortunate noting that both the Sierra Leone Police and Traffic Wardens should be complimenting each other’s efforts and work in the best interest of the state/public and thus help push President Koroma’s Road Safety Policy & Strategy which is embedded in the government’s Agenda for Prosperity forward and thus make mama Salone an accident and crime free country.
‘’Both forces were established by different Acts of Parliament to perform separate but interdependent functions and mandates’’ Reverend Michael Samura Said. He noted that both are working for the government serving the same people and working towards achieving almost the same goal which is to save lives and properties on the road and maintaining internal security.
He called on all to put aside their differences and work as a team as that would help us succeed in reducing lawlessness and indiscipline on our roads.
The Mayor His Worship the Mayor of the Kenema City Council Joseph S. Keifala said the workshop was timely and he thanked the SLRSA Management for their timely and swift intervention as there has been increasing incidence of misunderstanding/ conflict of interest between Traffic Wardens and the Sierra Leone Police in Kenema Township and its environs.
Mayor Joseph S. Keifala noted that he was never expecting to be seeing conflict of interest between the Sierra Leone Police and Traffic Wardens in Kenema. Leadership according to him was meant for muscles but today it meant getting along with people and the ear of the leader rings with the voices of the people he/she is serving.
Mayor Joseph S. Keifala called on the Executive Director and the management of the SLRSA to take a proper look at the leadership of the Traffic Wardens in Kenema and map out strategies on how to restructure it as that was the major cause of conflict or confrontations with police personnel and at some points Commercial Bike Riders and motor drivers and if such is allowed to continue unabated would lead to instability and chaos and he would not want to see the occurrence of such an ugly situation.
The Regional Commander East of the Sierra Leone Police AIG Alfred Karrow Kamara began by expressing his dissatisfaction over what he referred to as utter disregard for authorities on the part of the leadership of the Traffic Wardens in Kenema. He alleged that ever since he took office as regional commander he has invited Victor Kobba Traffic Warden Supervisor East for them to have a round-table discussion on how to map out strategies to reduce if not stop lawlessness and indiscipline on the roads but all his efforts went futile as Victor Kobba neither attended nor gave reasons for his absence.
‘’I have on many occasions received complaints from the Mayor, the Provincial Secretary and senior government officials, Motor Drivers Union, Bike Riders Union, members of the public and even the Media about Victor Kobba’s nonchalant attitudes towards authorities. AIG Karrow Kamara alleged. He noted that he had nothing absolutely wrong with the operations and activities of the SLRSA.
He assured all present and the public that as a force for good and as the regional commander; the Sierra Leone Police will ensure that the lives and properties of the entire citizenry are protected. ‘’ Our doors are wide open to anybody, institution or persons that may want to partner with the Sierra Leone Police on issues bothering internal security and combating lawlessness and indiscipline on our roads AIG Karrow Kamara assured.
The Director of Traffic Management and Road Safety Chief Superintendent Kabba Kamara who is also a member of the Board of Directors of SLRSA said that the Traffic Wardens Unit of the SLRSA was established by an Act of Parliament to compliment the efforts of the Sierra Leone Police in mitigating traffic congestions and enforce Road Traffic Regulations.
What is lacking according to him are Command Structure and Control Methods between the Sierra Leone Police and Traffic Wardens. He added that regional heads of Traffic Wardens should work in partnership with the regional heads of the Sierra Leone Police as that will to a very large extent help them achieve their various mandate.
Csp Kabba Kamara assured that as Police Officer representing the Sierra Leone Police at the SLRSA Board, he would serve as an intermediary between the SLP and the SLRSA thereby making sure that he maintains the existing mutual working relationship between the former and the later.
The National President of the Commercial Bike Riders Union said it is very heart rendering to see government institutions established by acts of Parliament engaging in what he referred to as ‘Clash of the Titans’ and ‘Battle for Supremacy’. He noted that both institutions are public servants and that whatever conflict that occur between the two factions would not only affect the ordinary man but would to a very large extent expose our lives to danger.
He expressed his disappointment over the recent spate of police brutality on the people they (SLP) claim to be protecting noting that for far too long members of the public have suffered a lot from police brutality and it was high time they found peaceful means of settling dispute or resolving conflicts as injustice to one is injustice to all. He said.
He how ever called on the Executive Director and the management of SLRSA to transfer with immediate effect the current Traffic Warden Supervisor (Victor Kobba) because he (Victor Kobba) has manifested lack of mutual interpersonal relationship with the very stakeholders he should be working with. From all indication he has not been in good terms with majority of the Authorities in Kenema city and even beyond
David Sesay called on both parties to put aside their differences and try to establish or strengthened the existing mutual working relationship and help make our beloved country a better place for all.
Mr. Alpha Bah the National President of the Motor Drivers Union who also doubles as member of the Board of Directors of SLRSA said road safety is a collective responsibility that must involve all and sundry. He furthered by expressing his disappointment over the recent spate of police and traffic warden harassment on the membership of the Drivers Union.
He called on the leadership of traffic enforcement officers’ i.e. Sierra Leone Police and Traffic Wardens to be tolerant in executing their statutory duties and to do so devoid of bias or prejudice
The National Public Relations Officer, Board Secretary and Traffic Warden Admin Secretary Abdul Karim Dumbuya, Sama Gamanga and Alimamy Sesay respectively made meaningful contributions.
By SLRSA Communications Unit
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