By Saidu Dumbuya
The Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Roads Safety Authority (SLRSA), James Bio, has informed the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the Authority intends to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras at major traffic light intersections across the country.
This move is aimed at identifying and penalizing drivers who violate traffic light regulations.
Addressing the Committee, Mr. Bio emphasized that a significant number of road accidents occurring near traffic lights are due to non-compliance by drivers and other road users. He noted that once the CCTV installations are complete, violators will be fined during the renewal of their driving licenses.
In relation to the management of road crashes along the Wellington-Masiaka highway, the Executive Director said the Authority is collaborating with key stakeholders to secure ambulances and other essential medical facilities to enhance emergency response along the corridor.
Mr. Bio also spoke on the decentralization of SLRSA services, revealing that the Authority now issues driver’s licenses in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Freetown. He assured the Committee that the issue of counterfeit licenses has been addressed, adding that the security features on the current license cards are designed to prevent tampering by any unauthorized printing press.
On the matter of SLRSA’s financial contributions, Mr. Bio confirmed that the Authority has consistently remitted the required 10 percent of its revenue to the Road Maintenance Fund Administration (RMFA) via the Treasury Single Account at the Bank of Sierra Leone.
He further disclosed that the Authority is currently drafting a proposal to secure representation on the boards of both the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) and RMFA, as they are not currently represented.
