RMFA Calls for Increased Royalties and Funding to Boost Road Maintenance

By Benjamin S Conteh 

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Road Maintenance Fund Administration (RMFA), Bashirr Sheriff, has raised concerns over the lack of royalty payments from mining and telecommunications companies. In an exclusive interview, Mr. Sheriff revealed that these companies have failed to contribute to the RMFA as required, despite regulations mandating that every liter of petrol purchased includes a levy of 3 USL cents. He further emphasized the need to raise this amount to 20 USL cents, a rate recommended for West Africa, to ensure adequate funding for road maintenance projects.

Speaking about RMFA’s responsibilities, Mr. Sheriff disclosed that the organization oversees the maintenance of 1,300 kilometers of roads across Sierra Leone. However, inadequate funding has significantly hampered their operations. He pointed out that donor funds intended for road maintenance are often redirected to other agencies, such as NaCSA and the Ministry of Agriculture, instead of going directly to the RMFA.

The Deputy CEO also highlighted challenges with implementing partners, including the 22 local councils and the Sierra Leone Road Authority (SLRA). He appealed to lawmakers to harmonize road maintenance activities and address resource allocation issues, citing that RMFA currently receives only 10% of resources instead of the 70% stipulated in official documents.

Mr. Sheriff underscored the importance of timely information sharing between RMFA, SLRA, and local councils, as delays adversely affect operations. He urged councils to prioritize hiring local labor for road repairs, which would empower communities and reduce costs.

Despite the challenges, Mr. Sheriff assured the public of RMFA’s commitment to improving road infrastructure nationwide. He revealed ongoing pothole repairs in the western parts of Freetown and various provinces, undertaken by contractors such as Pavi Fort.

Concluding his remarks, the Deputy CEO called for increased funding and resource mobilization to enhance RMFA’s capacity. Lawmakers commended the RMFA’s efforts, expressing support for their initiatives even amidst limited resources.