The Executive Director of Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) Mr. James Baggie Bio, has unveiled ambitious plans to improve on the National Road Safety Committee & the Passenger Manifest System.

The use of a Passenger Manifest system across the country’s transport sector is to be reinforced by the road safety authority.

In an engagement seeking to address challenges in the transport system, road safety stakeholders at SLRSA’s headquarters on Kissy Road including the ED Mr. Baggie Bio, discussed SLRSA’s new strategies to be implemented and their key mandates as provided by law.

The safety authority is tasked to regulate the transport sector in Sierra Leone.

Mr. Baggie Bio registered SLRSA’s unwavering commitment to working collaboratively with all relevant parties in a bid to bringing about a desired change in road safety and transport operations in the country.

One of the core highlights of the meeting was Mr Baggie’s call for the full adoption of the passenger manifest system  – – noting its significance in ensuring accountability and safety in the sector.

“Even in the aviation industry, the passenger manifest is a key tool for identifying passengers and in responding to emergencies should they occur.

“We must implement the same for land transport,” he said.

He further disclosed that SLRSA will soon re-launch the Road Safety Committee to better coordinate and engage transport stakeholders for timely and effective interventions in the road sector.

“This committee has long existed, and it’s time again to breathe new life into it in order to make our roads safer for all,” he added.

In a move to strengthen public engagement on road issues and feedbacks, Mr. Baggie Bio announced a new toll-free line which is 844 and it is available on Africell mobile network which will be on operation for 24 hours.

“SLRSA personnel have been deployed to manage the line by ensuring that public concerns and queries could be addressed promptly,” the ED promised.

In a related development, SLRSA has celebrated the successful commissioning of its Highway Management Unit at Mile 91, north of the country.

SLRSA workers have already been deployed at the new facility at Mile 91, signaling for an improvement on  highway oversight functions while ensuring quick responses by officers on incidents occurring along the Masiaka-Bo Highway.

Another significant achievement made by the road safety was the revamping of the MOT vehicle testing system – -this forms part of SLRSA’s Executive Director’s 100 day long-lists of accomplishments while in office.

The director has urged all stakeholders to work hand-in-hand in working to address road safety concerns in Sierra Leone.

He said a “collaborated action is key to ensuring that our roads are safer.”

Giving his statement at the program, Alpha Amadu Bah, Chairman of Motor Drivers and General Transport Workers Union, who is also a member of the SLRSA Board of Directors, praised SLRSA’S ED for his proactive approach taken so far.

“We appreciate your swift and purposeful action plans aim at rebranding and re-energizing road safety in Sierra Leone,” Mr. Bah said.

SLRSA’s Deputy Executive Director who doubles as Head of Operations for road safety, Mr. Josie Scott-Manga, also re-affirmed SLRSA’s full cooperation and commitment to supporting all stakeholders in working together to minimize road accidents while ensuring safer movements on transportation for all.

The meeting ended with an unanimous agreement made among stakeholders who have promised to be holding monthly road safety sensitizations to the public and enforcement operations by drivers and riders.

Representatives from Bike Riders Union, Keke Riders Union, ITOA, and among others also made their valid contributions at the program.

“This renewed momentum from the SLRSA has been widely welcomed as a crucial step in addressing persistent road safety challenges in the country,” said road safety speakers.

■ SLRSA Outreach and Communications

■ Hassan Nelson Barrie

      Public Relations Unit

Credit: www.slrsa.gov.sl