Road Safety Partnership Under Scrutiny
By Mohamed Kamara
Questions have been raised over the partnership between the Ministry of Transport and Aviation and some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on road safety advocacy, with critics calling for greater transparency and accountability in efforts to address the country’s growing road accident challenges.
Dr. Albert Thomas, based in London, told this medium that while partnerships aimed at improving road safety are important, CSOs involved must maintain independence and be willing to hold authorities accountable.
He questioned the commitment of state institutions to reducing road accidents, noting that the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), which operates under the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, had established monitoring initiatives, including a road safety centre at Mile 91, with plans for another facility at Gbeire Junction.
According to Dr. Thomas, the SLRSA has previously highlighted financial constraints affecting its ability to fully implement its mandate, while the government continues to engage CSOs in road safety awareness programmes.
He argued that CSOs should take a stronger stance on key factors contributing to road accidents, including poor road conditions, inadequate traffic enforcement, lack of testing mechanisms for alcohol and drug-related driving offences, unsafe vehicles, and alleged misconduct among some traffic officers.
Dr. Thomas further expressed concern that some CSO partnerships often fail to produce measurable results, saying effective collaboration should lead to practical solutions and improved road safety outcomes.
However, he acknowledged that some civil society groups have made meaningful contributions but maintained that greater independence and commitment to national interests are needed.
He called for stronger coordination among government agencies, CSOs, and other stakeholders to address the persistent challenges affecting road safety in Sierra Leone.
