In a recent statement, Madam Hawa Koroma, a representative of a civil society consortium, raised vital concerns regarding the alarming toll of road accidents in Sierra Leone, which have tragically claimed numerous lives. She urged the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), the regulatory body responsible for ensuring safer roads, to critically assess and address the pressing safety issues that demand immediate action.
During her travels across the country, particularly within the Freetown municipality, Madam Hawa observed a recurring and troubling issue: abandoned vehicles littering city streets and highways for extended periods. This neglect presents significant risks to public safety, jeopardizing both the lives of citizens and the safety of other motorists.
“These abandoned vehicles not only obstruct traffic but have also been the cause of major accidents, leading to injuries and heartbreaking fatalities among innocent drivers and pedestrians,” she noted.
To combat this growing problem, Madam Hawa proposed several constructive recommendations for the SLRSA to consider. She emphasized the importance of deploying tow trucks to promptly remove abandoned vehicles from both streets and highways.
Additionally, she suggested the establishment of a central facility to house all towed vehicles. Unclaimed vehicles should undergo a public auction process within 30 days of being towed.
Moreover, she advocated for the development of a dedicated website and emergency hotline for citizens to report abandoned vehicles. Finding a solution, Madam Hawa stressed the necessity of creating a specialized unit or office within the SLRSA to manage issues related to these vehicles effectively.
Madam Hawa’s call to action reflects a deep commitment to enhancing road safety and protecting the citizens of Sierra Leone from preventable tragedies
