By Ragan M Conteh

The opposition deputy leader of Parliament, Hon Daniel Koroma, has informed members of parliament that his research shows that ”Bonthe district is the most-felt district of hungry in Sierra Leone.”

And that it is the most disadvantaged district in Sierra Leone.

The Deputy opposition leader was speaking on Thursday 14th November 2024 during the debate on Finance Bill in the Chambers of parliament.

Hon Daniel Koroma pointed out that the proposed 5% increase on the rice importation will not only deepen the existing harsh conditions of living by the people in Sierra Leone but will increase starvation especially for residents in Bonthe and in other districts in Sierra Leone.

The MP said the WFP report on hunger in the country shows that out of the 12 districts affected by hunger, 7 districts mentioned in the WFP report is from the South East which indicate that any increments on rice will add to the hunger for the people.

Hon Daniel Koroma revealed that apart from Bonthe District being seriously affected by hunger it is also seriously disadvantaged by certain developments or social services.

He maintained that the additional 5% on the importation of rice will further weaken people’s lives.

In his submissions, the opposition Chief Whip, Hon Abdul Karim Kamara stated that instead of increasing a tax on rice, the Ministry should direct the additional tax levy on beverages being imported.

He also urged the government especially the ministry of finance to help sorghum farmers in a way to boost employment and local Brewery beer production in the country.

The MP said parliament should do all within its powers to expunge the 5% tax increment on rice importation to be able to reduce the burden on citizens.

He said with the existing 5% tax increment on rice importation, citizens are finding now very difficult to make ends meet by day.

However, he underscored that the issue of the rice tax increase should not be politicized as it hinges on the livelihoods of the masses who have voted them.

The MP from Tonkolili District who also serves as the Deputy leader 2 of the opposition, Hon Aaron Koroma highlighted the consequences of any tax increment on rice importation.

The MP urged the Finance ministry to look for alternatives in revenue generation rather than thinking of adding more taxes on the staple food.