Members of Parliament from both side of the aisle on Wednesday 20th December 2023 in the Well of Parliament demanded salary harmonization within the country’s salary structure in the country.
The MPs made the submission during the approval of Hon Alpha Timbo and others who were recently appointed by President Julius Maada Bio to in key offices with Hon Timbo to be serving as Chairman of Wages and Compensation Commission.
Making his submission, the Member of Parliament from Kambia District, Hon Abdul Karim Kamara, said there are gaps in salaries in Sierra Leone, adding that the Wages and Salary Commission should work towards harmonizing the salary structure of civil and public servants.
He pointed out that Civil Servants rely on the Commission to ensure that those who work in the best interest of the nation in different offices are well catered for and should enjoy appreciable salaries.
The MPs however, thanked the President for appointing Hon Alpha Timbo who, they said had been given his selfless effort to helping the country develop, adding that many are working relentlessly but are still receiving minimal salaries monthly.
The SLPP MP who doubles as the Chairman of Finance Committee in Parliament, Hon Amara Kai Samba, stated that the appointees are over qualified and they are fine Presidential nominees but urged them to work for the President and the nation.
He said salary harmonization in Sierra Leone are the big challenge, adding that Hon Alpha Timbo having been appointed in that office should endeavour to address the issue of workers’ wages and salaries speedily.
Hon Samba said he had no doubt in the appointment of Hon Timbo as he had been so resourceful over the years, adding that Timbo had been appointed in various offices and could deliver for good.
The SLPP MP also pleaded for a good working relationship in public offices and advised appointees to work towards national interest but not for political reasons and regional purposes.
The Leader of Opposition, Hon Abdul Kargbo, also informed attendees in the well that, ‘There are institution in Sierra Leone where a Director is paid Le 60 million old Leones and his Deputy, with the same qualification, receiving Le 1 million old Leones monthly. This is ridiculous and heart-rending”
According to Hon Kargbo, most times, those workers who are committed are the ones receiving meager salaries, adding that the Wages and Compensation Commission should raise the bar to ensure that Sierra Leoneans who supposed to be paid appreciable salaries receive what is due them.
He encouraged Alpha Timbo to work so assiduously to address the wages and salaries.
“This subject [wage disparity] has been there for ages and I know you can do it to address the problem of “Wage Bill Disparity”, he concluded.
The MP however, urged those appointed in various offices to make the necessary change and to work towards national development.