Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Minister of Transport and Aviation and the leadership of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA) are set to face Parliament after being summoned to explain why public transport fares remain unchanged across the country despite recent reductions in fuel prices and mounting pressure from civil society.
The move comes after civil society activist Edmond Abu renewed calls for a downward adjustment in fares, which he described as “unjustified and burdensome” on ordinary citizens. He criticised the current pricing, noting that commuters still pay five Leones for ‘poda poda’ rides and ten Leones for Waka Fine bus rides, despite what he described as “slight but significant” drops in fuel prices.
In an interview with the New Citizen Newspaper, the Deputy Opposition Spokesperson in Parliament, Hon. Alpha Ben, stated that the summons is a necessary step to ensure accountability and transparency, as Parliament has the duty to protect the interests of the people.
“We want to understand why transport fares remain the same when economic conditions clearly suggest they should be reduced. This is about fairness and leasing the financial pressure on ordinary Sierra Leoneans.”
Parliamentarians are expected to question both the ministry and NPRA on the disconnect between fuel price reductions and transport fare adjustments, as well as propose possible policy remedies.
This decision by parliament is a welcoming news to citizens after raising dissatisfaction over current transport fare for weeks now.
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