Opposition Leader Blasts SLRSA Over Rising Road Accidents and Deaths

By Musa Paul Feika

The Leader of the Opposition in the Sierra Leone Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has raised grave concerns over what he described as a “national emergency” on the country’s roads, following shocking statistics revealing that Sierra Leone recorded 9,682 road accidents and 669 deaths in 2022 alone.

Speaking passionately during the recent parliamentary debate on the approval of presidential nominees, Hon. Kargbo launched a scathing critique of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), accusing the agency of gross negligence, weak enforcement, and a dangerous lack of accountability in managing the nation’s growing road safety crisis.

He noted that while many nominees presented impressive qualifications and experience, real change can only come through measurable results, not paperwork. “Mr. Speaker, I will not repeat the points raised by the Chief Whip, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, but I must speak about the disturbing silence and inefficiency of the SLRSA. Lives are being lost daily due to preventable accidents,” Hon. Kargbo lamented.

Quoting official figures, he emphasized that thousands of lives have been shattered by road crashes that could have been avoided with proper oversight and stricter regulation. “Between January and September 2022, Sierra Leone recorded 9,682 road accidents and 669 deaths. This is unacceptable. We will soon be laying to rest a Member of Parliament who died in a road accident. How many more must die before the SLRSA takes responsibility?” he asked somberly.

The opposition leader painted a distressing picture of Sierra Leone’s deteriorating road conditions, especially after the rainy season, when potholes and poor maintenance make major highways nearly impassable. He attributed much of the problem to poor infrastructure and weak inter-agency coordination between the SLRSA and the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA).

“Mr. Speaker, our roads are dilapidated and unsafe. I once witnessed a horrific accident on my way to Liberia a vehicle collided with a stationary truck parked on the highway without warning signs. Everyone on board died instantly. That is the tragic cost of negligence,” Hon. Kargbo recalled emotionally.

He went on to accuse the SLRSA of turning a blind eye to roadworthiness standards, claiming that licenses and vehicle clearances are often issued without physical inspection. “Whether the vehicle is roadworthy or not, licenses are being issued. This level of recklessness is costing Sierra Leonean lives. The SLRSA must reform its processes immediately,” he demanded.

Hon. Kargbo further recommended that the government introduce random roadside safety checks and alcohol testing, similar to international practices, to ensure that both commercial and private drivers meet safety requirements.
“In other countries, police conduct spot checks for alcohol consumption, vehicle condition, and safety equipment. Sierra Leone should do the same. Too many unfit vehicles and unqualified drivers are operating freely, turning our roads into death traps,” he warned.

The Opposition Leader also called for the enforcement of mandatory safety measures, such as reflective warning triangles, hazard lights, and reflective jackets in all vehicles. “Many drivers park on highways without any signal or warning to oncoming traffic. These small oversights lead to major tragedies. The SLRSA must ensure all vehicles comply with basic safety standards,” he added.

Hon. Kargbo concluded his remarks with a firm appeal to the newly approved nominees assigned to the SLRSA: “You have a duty to correct the errors of the past. The public is watching. We expect you to make the institution proactive, transparent, and life-saving.”

Turning to the aviation sector, Hon. Kargbo commended Mr. Alie Abdul Kargbo, nominee for the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), praising his years of experience at the Lungi International Airport and expressing confidence that he would bring needed reforms to the sector.

However, he criticized the exorbitant airfares charged by airlines operating in Sierra Leone, which, he said, compel many citizens to travel through neighboring Guinea instead of using Lungi International Airport.
“The Gambia and Senegal have declared flights between their countries as local flights, significantly reducing ticket costs. Sierra Leone can learn from that model. Affordable regional air travel will boost tourism and business,” he suggested.

In his response, Deputy Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, defended the administration’s appointments, applauding President Julius Maada Bio for nominating capable and patriotic Sierra Leoneans to key national institutions. He called on all appointees to serve with integrity and put national interest above personal gain.

Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu, in closing the session, urged the newly approved nominees to deliver results that will positively impact citizens’ lives, stressing that “public service is a trust, not a privilege.”

However, Hon. Kargbo’s message resonated deeply across the chamber: until the SLRSA enforces stricter safety standards, improves road infrastructure collaboration, and prioritizes human lives over revenue generation, Sierra Leone’s roads will remain perilous and its people will continue to pay the ultimate price.