By Mohamed Kamara
MILE 91 – In a bid to reduce the alarming rate of road accidents along major highways, the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has established a new Road Management Unit headquartered at Mile 91 in Upper Yoni Chiefdom, Tonkolili District. According to the Director General of the SLRSA, Mr. James Bio, the unit will focus on traffic enforcement and road monitoring, especially along the Masiaka–Mile 91 corridor. Another unit is expected to be launched at Gberia Junction to cover the Lunsar–Makeni Highway.
Mr. Bio explained that the new units will work to ensure proper vehicle parking and better road use management in these high-risk areas. However, the initiative has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with many questioning its long-term impact.
Several citizens argue that the SLRSA’s current approach does not adequately address the root causes of frequent accidents. They have called for the joint acquisition of alcohol and drug testing equipment by the SLRSA and the Sierra Leone Police. According to them, substance abuse among drivers is a major contributor to road crashes and must be addressed alongside the issue of speeding, particularly in areas like Lamas.
Concerns have also been raised about poorly maintained vehicles, including those with worn-out tyres and unexamined engines, which often pass through checkpoints unchecked—allegedly due to bribes. Additionally, residents have pointed to the health hazards posed by excessive black smoke emitted by some vehicles, which they say contributes to respiratory issues among the population.
Citizens are urging the SLRSA to revisit its strategy and adopt a more comprehensive, data-driven approach to road safety rather than implementing what they see as quick fixes. “We appreciate the effort, but preventing road accidents requires more than just checkpoints—it requires systemic reforms,” one resident remarked
