Ministry of Transport and Aviation (MTA) has on Wednesday September 30, commenced a five-day retreat in a bid to identify opportunities and challenges that would enhance better productivity in the transport sector of Sierra Leone.
The retreat which was held in Bo brough together different stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon, said that the retreat was also aimed at maximizing opportunities for better service delivery. He added that the Integrated and Resilient Urban Mobility Project (IRUMP) which has been implemented by government would change the perspective of transportation within the city.
“The IRUMP project would reduce traffic congestion in the city. It would also enhance safety and easy accessibility to vehicular transportation. The Government Vehicle Fleet Policy would provide guidelines on how the ministry could generate resources on vehicles,” he said.
He encouraged all stakeholders to share their experience and idea during the course of the retreat, and insisted that by so doing it would be a step in the right direction and in moving forward.
The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kaikai, noted that the retreat was timely, because it provided solutions to the challenges MTA was encountering as it control the gateway of all means of transportation in the country .
He added that MTA contributes immensely toward the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) revenue mobilization. He noted that the Medium Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2019 – 2023 aim at improving transportation system with especially urban transportation and sea transportation.
“Volume 2 of MTNDP seeks performance delivery in terms of improving road safety, improving bus system, better road network, safe and clean shipping operations, improved maritime transport, and improved governance system in the transport system,” Dr. Kaikai said.
The Chairman of National Commission for Privatization (NCP), Dr. Alex Prince Harding noted that if stakeholders at MTA collectively worked together their output would impact generously on the economy of the country.
“If stakeholders at the MTA work together their effort would foster development and progress. If any Agency consistently drops in it operation NCP would have no alternative but to privatize it,” Dr. Harding asserted .
He warned that if any ministry wanted to make changes in their mode of operation they must first consult NCP before tabling their documents to cabinet, and by so doing ensure better service delivery.
By George M.O. Williams
6/10/2020. ISSUE NO: 7924