By Sulaiman Jalloh

Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, the Deputy Opposition Leader 2 in Parliament, representing the people of Tonkolilli district, north-eastern part of Sierra Leone, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, expressed serious concerns over the environmental threats posed by illegal mining taking place at Rokel River and the environmental threats relating to the activity.

Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma highlighted the urgent need for government intervention to address the environmental degradation of the country’s water resources, particularly the Rokel River that provides reliable renewable energy.

“If nothing serious is done to stop the attacks on this river owing to illegal mining and other activities, will risk losing the only water source with the potential to curb the ongoing energy and water crisis”, he alerted.

Additionally, the lawmaker also raised alarm over the increasing cost of cement in the country, noting in some areas a bag of cement costs about two hundred Leones (200NLe), making construction projects difficult for many Sierra Leoneans. “If cement is unavailable in Freetown, how much will it be for people in remote areas like Koinadugu?” he asked, while urging the government to explain the contradiction between stable exchange rates and rising cost of commodities.

In response, Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Solomon Segepoh Thomas instructed the Clerk of Parliament to write and invite the ministers of environment and trade.

“On Monday, we will meet with the Minister of Environment and the Minister of Trade to discuss these pressing issues,” he assured.

Speaker Thomas emphasized that these discussions are not political but are in the public interest, urging all members of the relevant committees to be present.

The rising cost of essential goods and the degradation of natural resources remain critical concerns for Sierra Leoneans.

The upcoming Parliamentary meetings are expected to provide clarity on government policies and possible solutions to these challenges.