SLRSA takes Road Safety Campaign to Mile 38
The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has launched operation zero tolerance on those things that should not be done on the road. The event is part of the SLRSA’s continuous road safety sensitization to encourage drivers and bike riders to insure and license their vehicles. Held at the Mile 38 community, the event brought together major stakeholders who pledge their commitment to ensure that vehicles and passengers are safe on the road. The community is housing the main checkpoint that has lots of unlicensed and uninsured vehicles plighing on a daily basis.
Abdul Karim Dumbuya is the Public Relations Officer at SLRSA; he said they have traffic wardens operating across the country, which is why they are continuously sensitizing communities to ensure compliance.
Councillor Hassan Bomboli Kanu who spoke on behalf of the Paramount Chief said it is good to check vehicles well at the checkpoint to ensure compliance to road traffic rules. He pledged their readiness to work with the SLRSA at all times.
The Acting National Traffic Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Salifu Conteh revealed that they have brought new blood to the checkpoint that is committed to work. He pointed out that all vehicles should have the triangle reflector, spare tyre and equipment to service their vehicles in case there is any breakdown. The checkpoint, he said is very strategic and so should play key role on road safety to protect lives. “We don’t want to see vehicles overloading. There should be no sacred cow on the road. We should ensure that 99% of vehicles going through this checkpoint are licensed and insured,” he said.
Divisional Traffic Officer, Inspector Alfred Turay said raid safety is his baby and so therefore will do his best to ensure that road accident is reduced drastically. He admonished the community people to join hands to enhance a better life for the benefit of all.
Captain J.R. Koroma of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces called on passengers to comply with the checkpoint rules and to go through the required Ebola screening.
ASP M.S. Kargbo and ASP Patrick Smart called for the provision of a crane to be removing vehicles involved in road accident. They also called for zebra crossing points for the protection of lives.
The National Secretary General of Sierra Leone Motor Drivers Union, Kombor Koroma said they are now happy to see the SLRSA is providing services to the door steps of people. He stated that drivers must have license and vehicle owners must ensure that their vehicles are road worthy and licensed before putting them on the road. He also called for Insurance Company to activate their third party insurance policy after a fatal accident to cover drivers. The National Secretary General said road signs should be made available across the country to have drivers feel part of road safety.
Other speakers include the Bike Riders Union Chairman in the Koya Rural District, Osman Koroma.
The Board Chairman of SLRSA, Reverend Michael Samura said the mandate of the institution is to ensure that all motorists and pedestrians are safe in the road. He further said road users should not tolerate anything that does not have to do with safety. He pointed out that all vehicles must be thoroughly checked for safety.
The Board Chairman revealed that they have signed an agreement with Total Petroleum Company to provide points in strategic locations where drivers will rest a while after feeling bored when driving.
Meanwhile, Traffic Warden Corps have completed a refreshers course at the Armed Forces Training Centre and received certificates on Friday. They were admonished by the SLRSA Human Resource Manager, Joseph O. Dauda to live up to expectation as the credibility of the institution is in their hands. He said they will surely receive reward for hard work.
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