By Dadson A. Musa

I remember vividly when the construction of the road started and hastily the toll gates were constructed and the collection of money got away. Then, the road clearing and widening had just begun. The alternate road as an option was a must but government made no effort to make it readily and easily usable by citizens. So, to crown it all, Sierra Leoneans had paid for a road that has been constructed and continue to pay for it long after its construction. And worse still, are going to continue to pay for it at higher price. The toll road came with its advantages no doubt, but the disadvantages on a population grappling with the effects of rise in prices globally are far reaching. The agreement entered into on behalf of Sierra Leoneans remains insensitive and flawed.

Honestly, the road was not constructed according to plans as sense that between Freetown and Mashiaka, the work is still incomplete and the environmental impact of such road construction was not seriously looked into. My candid opinion is that government has not treated citizens with respect and continue to fleece its citizens with blatant disregard. Fuel price has gone up twice after elections which has led to increase in transportation cost and now with increase in toll gate fees there is going to be increase in prices also. This in turn will have knock-on-effects on prices of goods in the country.

We saw insensitive civil society groups jumping to the defense of the increase instead of condemning it. And a hasty press conference called and journalists fed with the justification for the increase. I understand the poverty in the media, so, he who pays the piper calls the tune. I beg to differas citizens are already suffering under the weight of high commodity prices. So, to add to their burden is a disservice by our elected officials. The incomplete job has long been paid for in full so the ripping of citizens must stop and let us citizens breath.

Government must find a way to make our burden lighter instead of taxing us more and more.

I repeat, the road has brought with it some advantages but the disadvantages should not outweigh the advantages. Public vehicle drivers shift the burden on passengers who are in the majority. So, we should not wait until there is tear or potholes before we take the toll gates away. Citizens should start breathing now.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, February 12th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)