Another significant moment occurred on February 13th, 2025 as the Opposition Chief Whip, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, succinctly highlighted some of the critical issues affecting citizens during the Presidential Appointees Approval.
He firstly lamented on the poor condition of roads, particularly in the Western Area and Northern Regions, which he attributed to the negligence of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA). He pointed out that the individual appointed to oversee this sector should be aware that the road leading to the Chiefdom Headquarters of Munutala has remained incomplete, despite having been under regravelling for the past five years. Opposition Chief Whip highlighted the dilapidated bridge between Bamoi and Munu, which has claimed approximately five precious lives.
In addition, he deemed it unacceptable for citizens to pay for toll roads that are still under construction, with no clear timeline for completion. Opposition Chief Whip emphasized that even the sections of the roads that are under construction are riddled with potholes, signaling that when the Government of Sierra Leone takes over the toll roads, they will be nothing short of a mess due to their substandard nature. He noted that this was not part of the agreement between the CRSG and the government, yet no measures have been taken to enforce standard road construction.
Additionally, the Opposition Chief Whip shed light on the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), which is responsible for issuing Identification Cards to citizens. He criticized the institution for its failure to adequately serve the people, referencing a recent announcement urging citizens to acquire their National ID Cards within a specific timeframe.
He pointed out that had it been Voter’s Registration, NCRA would have visited every corner of the country to ensure full registration. However, the NCRA opted to register citizens in specific locations, often charging exorbitant fees.
Furthermore , he argued that the registration should be more accessible, ensuring all citizens can register, regardless of their location, rather than limiting it to certain regions.
He remarked that the NCRA seems to treat citizens as important only during election periods, which he found unfair. Furthermore, he noted that many institutions now require a National Identification Card as a primary criterion, but it remains inaccessible to citizens, particularly those in rural areas.
In conclusion, Opposition Chief Whip emphasized that it is high time for the government to prioritize the needs of the people, as they are the true custodians of power and deserve better welfare.