Ministry of information and civic education press conference

13th February 2024 Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah assured citizens that, the government is committed to bringing social change in the transport sector through the WAKA FINE BUSES. Minister Chernor Bah said, the government as a listening one has heard the concerns of citizens and action is being taken to address all the concerns associated with the corridors. Minister Chernor Bah called on citizens to go out and obtain their National Identification Cards. He said the acquisition of the National ID is mandatory and therefore called on everyone to ensure they collect their national ID cards. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Dr. Sao Kpata Hannah Max-Kyne bemoaned the human activities in destroying the environment. Deforestation is taking place, especially around water catchment areas. She said the Ministry is currently working around the clock to ensure they protect catchment areas. They are collaborating with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Protected Area Authority to achieve the above-mentioned goal. Minister Dr. Max-Kyne disclosed that the government has launched the water fund with partners as an alternative financing tool to ensure the mobilization of more funds and promote the private sector involvement in Sierra Leone's water sector to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs). Minister of Works and Public Assets Dr. Denis Sandy announced the increment of fees on the Wellington-Masiaka Tollgates. He said the trigger behind this increment is as a result of the exchange rate. Since 2017 China Railway Seven Group(CRSG) has maintained the same price even though the exchange rate has inflated by over 400%. They proposed higher prices but the government negotiated and reached an agreement. Effective 1st March 2024 2017 2024 Group 1: NL.1 NL.3 Group 2: NL.2 NL.5 Group 3: NL.4 NL.10 Group4: NL.18 NL.40 Group 5: NL.163 NL. 700 Group 6: NL. 100 NL.250 The President of the General Motor Drivers Union Alpha Amadu Bah said they will provide another 50 buses to address the concerns of people going short distances. He called on citizens to exercise patience as the Ministry of Transport and Stakeholders in the sector are committed to addressing burning issues around WAKA FINE. Youyi Building lifts are to be fixed by the first week of March and also it was disclosed that the rehabilitation of the Miatta Conference is 99% complete and will be opened at any time from now.