In a bid to enhance collaboration between the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), Rev. Smart Senesie, the Director General of the SLRSA, alongside consultant Martin Small, paid a courtesy visit to Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu on Thursday, 15th August 2024. The meeting took place at IGP Sellu’s office on George Street in Freetown.
Rev. Senesie explained that the visit aimed to inform the Inspector General about the development of the National Road Safety Strategic document, which consultant Martin Small is working on. He emphasized that this document could significantly benefit both the SLP and the SLRSA in addressing road safety issues in the country.
The Director General revealed that discussions are ongoing with the Speaker of Parliament regarding the domestication of certain regulations and treaties. He called for a speedy process to align these regulations with the National Road Safety Strategy being developed by Martin Small, which he believes will enhance safety for all road users.
Reflecting on previous years, Rev. Senesie highlighted that Sierra Leone lost over 350 million dollars in 2019 due to road crashes and fatalities—funds that could have been allocated for national development. He expressed the necessity for policy makers, including the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Internal Affairs, to expedite this process.
He proposed the formation of a working group, comprising the police, SLRSA, and other stakeholders such as motor drivers and bike rider unions, which would meet annually to strengthen road safety efforts, as suggested by consultant Martin Small.
Small elaborated on the project’s relevance, noting that it is funded by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and supported by the World Health Organization.
In response, IGP William Fayia Sellu acknowledged the SLP’s commitment to supporting the SLRSA and other ministries, departments, and agencies in enhancing road safety. He reiterated the police’s role in maintaining safety and security, even in areas where other agencies may be neglecting their responsibilities, such as managing street trading.
IGP Sellu commended Rev. Senesie’s initiative to engage with the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Minister of Transport regarding new developments in road safety. He reaffirmed his commitment to providing personnel for any SLRSA operations as needed.
The meeting underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in improving road safety across Sierra Leone.