By Ragan M Conteh
The Speaker of Parliament on Thursday 29 February 2024 stated in the chamber of parliament that, “the tollgate traffic data is not a piece of furniture.
He stressed o, “verifying the authenticity of traffic data is a critical component.”
“We, therefore, cannot take any action on the tollgate without impirical evidences,” he asserted.
The speaker, in his resolution, told SLRA that parliament would like the status quo to change, adding that MPs are working on the best interest of the people of Sierra Leone as well as protecting the investors’ interests..
Speaker Bundu added that whatever parliament does, it should be in the confines of the agreement, adding that the law house is there to add or subtract on a matter.
But it is there to listen to the concerns of all parties involved and then takes action,r regarding the issue about the tollgate agreement.
The speaker pointed out that the proposed increase must be backed up by an empirical evidence of the traffic data.
He stated that the SLRA should explore extra mile in order to be able to verify the data submitted by CRSG.
“We don’t want to unearth what has happened but parliament will determine what to do with the proposed tollgate tariff increment in the best interest of the masses,” speaker said.
The speaker has put in ambayance to the proposed tollgate tariff increase, stating a no date for the review but until parliament through the Work Committee investigates the traffic data.
In his submission, the Leader of government business, Hon Matthew Sahr Nyuma, said parliament would take divisive action on the tollgate matter.
According Hon Matthew Sahr Nyuma, he said, parliament is a listening parliament that seek to hear out the concerns of all the parties on the tollgate tarriff planned rise.
The Leader of opposition in Parliament, Hon Abdul Kargbo also spoke on the need to seek the best interests of the general good of the people and the investors.
“We will not take any decision that will see the investors scared away from investing in Sierra Leone or one that fails to protect the interests of the people whom we represent in parliament,” Hon Kargbo said.
The MP urged all stakeholders to exercise patient as the legislative body looks into the issue of the increase of tollgate charges.
Adding that any alteration of the tollgate charges is unlawful.
” These charges were debated and approved in parliament and any increment thought of now must be brought in the house of representatives for debate and approval,” he charged.