Information reaching Africa24 have revealed that inhabitants of main motor via Wellington in Freetown have encroached at the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) right-of-way by the Sierra Leone Brewery Company  Limited fence industrial estate.

According to the Director General Ing. Amara H.J. Kanneh, in a press notes sometimes in May last year.

‘During our regular monitoring of our right-of-way along the said road, we observed the disrespect of our Authority’s mandate and instruction for you to clear your operation and relocation of right-of-way” he said.

He further stressed on the measures at twenty meters (20m) or sixty five feet (65ft) on either side from the center line of the road. ‘your continuous use of our right-of-way including the enter road reserve and half, and half the width of our road way as metal scrap yard for which you were not granted permission for its use is an offence which is punishable by law.

We have discussed these issues at the Western Area Provincial Security Management, in the presence of many stakeholders including community reps, Sierra Leone Police etc. And at management meeting during which it was recorded that you have been warned on several occasions to stop such practices and vacate the location entirety.

Community stakeholder that spoke to Africa24 have raised eyebrows over non provisions of government and SLRA for the relocation their business over the years. Many of us livening and doing business here are jobless and highly cash trapped.

Regardless of our political belongings, the laws of the land are paramount, and no one is above the law but we need better necessities in the future. The above mentioned community is extremely appalling with the huge amount of youth who are presently dropped out of schools embarking on scrap metal activities to make ends meet.

In her submissions, the Chairlady of Wellington Scrap Yard Association WSYA, Anita Turay said the government is unable to create jobs, and we are making livelihood  through metal scrap, adding that much is needed from SLRA to see reasons at least to ease the unprecedented situation they are facing coupled with the economic trend.

‘We saw the final public notice of SLRA on social media in May, we are ready to leave but, we need a better provision. Our point of doing business at the moment is Wellington metal scrap yard, we are appealling to government and critical stakeholders for more time’ he comment.