In a move aimed at strengthening national road safety and enhancing inter-agency collaboration, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), Mr. James Baggie Bio, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Internal Affairs, AIG (Rtd.) Morie Lengor Esq., on Monday at the Ministry’s headquarters on Kissy Road, Freetown.
The high-level meeting focused on key security concerns, operational challenges, and opportunities for strategic partnership between the two institutions.
Mr. Bio used the opportunity to update the Minister on pressing issues facing the SLRSA, particularly the challenge of stolen vehicles being registered within the system. He stressed the urgent need for tighter verification processes and the use of advanced tracking systems to prevent the circulation of stolen vehicles and protect national security.
He also highlighted the difficulties faced by Road Safety Corps personnel in situations where police support is critical to carrying out their duties, calling for closer coordination between the SLRSA and the Sierra Leone Police. According to Mr. Bio, effective law enforcement on the roads depends on seamless institutional cooperation and mutual respect.
Welcoming the Executive Director, Minister Lengor described the visit as both timely and strategic. He acknowledged the shared concerns over road safety and national security, which he said are of growing interest not just to government agencies but also to international partners.
Commending Mr. Bio for his leadership and proactive measures, Minister Lengor promised to convene meetings with key stakeholders in the transport and security sectors to develop a collaborative framework. He also expressed concern over the dangers posed by container trucks and the general state of vehicle roadworthiness across the country.
To address these issues, the Minister encouraged the SLRSA to adopt modern technology and data-driven systems that can support more efficient traffic and transport management.
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from both parties to foster regular communication and partnership in order to maintain order, safety, and compliance on Sierra Leone’s roads.
By Festus Kamara
