The Sierra Leonean Parliament has intervened to halt the introduction of new toll gate charges that were scheduled to go into effect on March 1st, 2024, in a crucial step meant to protect the interests of the public.
This decision is made in the context of demands for increased accountability and transparency in the contract between the Government and the toll gate management company, China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG).
This initiative has been led by Hon. Bashiru Silikie, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee of Works and Public Assets, who has urged CRSG and Dr. Dennis Sandy, the Minister of Works and Public Assets, to stop the upcoming fee adjustments.
Hon. Silikie urged the Minister and CRSG to provide a thorough analysis of the suggested toll gate fees, stressing the need for an open and honest approach. Requests for supporting documentation, such as the new pricing formula, traffic data, and financial reports relevant to the toll gate charges, are at the heart of this movement for openness.
Members of the Parliamentary Committee have expressed support for a comprehensive review of the agreement between the Government and CRSG, which is in line with Hon. Silikie's views.
This action demonstrates the Parliament's dedication to strict monitoring by guaranteeing that any modifications to toll gate fees are based on a thorough examination of pertinent data and financial considerations.
Parliament wants to make sure that the public's interests are given priority when it comes to managing toll gate charges, which is why it is pushing for a review of the current arrangement.
The suspension of the additional toll gate fees is a major step forward for parliamentary oversight and demonstrates a determined attempt to maintain openness and accountability in government. Stakeholders anticipate that as talks proceed, this intervention will open the door for a more fair and knowledgeable strategy for Sierra Leone's toll gate administration.
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