Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has officially decentralized the issuance of driver’s licenses, allowing motorists across the country to process and obtain their licenses at district offices without traveling to Freetown.
The move means that drivers of kekes, motorbikes, and vehicles no longer need to journey to the capital to apply for or renew their licenses. Under the new system, licenses are expected to be processed within 48 hours a significant improvement in turnaround time. This marks the first time such a decentralised licensing system has been implemented in Sierra Leone.
The initiative forms part of innovative reforms introduced by the Executive Director of SLRSA, James B. Bio, aimed at improving service delivery and enhancing institutional efficiency.
According to management, individuals desirous of acquiring driver’s licenses can now access the service at all SLRSA district offices nationwide. The Authority described the development as part of its continued commitment to fully decentralizing its products and services, bringing essential public services closer to the people, improving efficiency, and reducing congestion at central offices.
SLRSA further noted that the initiative aligns with the Government’s strategic focus on technology and infrastructure as drivers of sustainable economic growth key pillars under the Big Five Game Changers of President Julius Maada Bio. Members of the public have been encouraged to visit their nearest district office for inquiries and processing of their licenses.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, improved service delivery, road safety compliance, and supporting national development objectives.
The decentralization move has been widely commended, particularly by drivers in provincial areas who previously faced high transportation costs and delays in accessing licensing services in Freetown.
The Native Consortium, an organization that has advocated for the decentralization of licensing services for over 20 years, welcomed the development. The group commended the leadership of James B. Bio and the government for implementing the long-awaited reform.
The Consortium also highlighted key aspects of the agreement with Autospecks, expressing optimism that there will be no increment in vehicle license fees. Additionally, it welcomed Autospects’ commitment to constructing offices in regional headquarters towns to facilitate vehicle fitness testing.
However, the organization emphasized its hope that vehicle licensing fees will remain unchanged as per the agreement, as affordability remains a major concern for drivers.
The decentralization of driver’s license issuance is expected to ease longstanding bottlenecks, reduce costs for motorists, and significantly improve access to road safety services across the country.
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