Isaac Ken Green A Call for Collaboration to Enhance Sierra Leone’s Transport Infrastructure
By: Ahmed Y
On October 3, 2024, Isaac Ken Green, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA), held a significant media engagement at the bus station on Wallace Johnson Street, Freetown. The primary purpose of this meeting was to address disinformation and negative speculation surrounding SLPTA’s operations, while reinforcing the agency’s commitment to enhancing public transport infrastructure in alignment with the government’s “Big Five” agenda.
In his remarks, Isaac Ken Green emphasized that the SLPTA is equipped with accurate information to clarify its functions and operations. He expressed confidence in the role of credible journalists to help disseminate this information and counter misleading narratives. “We are not surprised that some individuals attempt to mislead or distract from our mission,” Green stated. “However, we remain optimistic that responsible reporting will prevail.”
Green highlighted the collaborative efforts between SLPTA and the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, led by Rt. Conel Alhaji Fanday Turay, to drive infrastructural transformation within the transport sector. He noted that these efforts are crucial for developing a robust public transport system that effectively meets the needs of Sierra Leoneans.
The Director General outlined several innovative strategies being implemented to improve transport services nationwide. Key initiatives include:
- Comprehensive Reporting: SLPTA is establishing a detailed database that tracks the total number of buses, Poda-poda, Keke, and Orkadas, ensuring transparency in operations.
- Transition to Digital Systems: The agency is moving from paper tickets to a card-based system that integrates banking services. This transition aims to facilitate easier payments for transportation, allowing Sierra Leoneans living abroad to pay for their relatives’ transport needs via the Waka Fine website.
- Enhancing Public Awareness: Green urged journalists to fact-check their stories before publication and to deepen their understanding of SLPTA’s mandate. He stressed the importance of educating the public on the agency’s interventions and operations in the transport sector.
Green also discussed how these innovations would contribute to economic growth and alleviate traffic congestion in the Central Business District (CBD). He highlighted the economic advantages of using the Waka Fine service, which costs only fifteen leones (NLe 15), in contrast to the significant expenses associated with private vehicle fuel. “Encouraging the public to utilize these services will create economic benefits and help decongest the CBD,” he asserted.
In his address, Green underscored the importance of safety and regulatory standards, mentioning that SLPTA is actively monitoring and supervising bus operations, including maintenance and routing systems. He acknowledged the challenges faced in the transport sector in the past but expressed optimism about the ongoing improvements.
In closing, Green extended his gratitude to the Minister of Transport and Aviation for their support. He noted that recent inter-ministerial meetings have laid a solid foundation for continued development in the transport sector. He reiterated SLPTA’s commitment to fostering a conducive atmosphere for public transport and ensuring that Sierra Leone’s transport infrastructure evolves to meet the demands of its citizens.
As SLPTA continues to engage with the media and the public, it aims to build a transparent and effective public transport system that not only supports economic growth but also enhances the quality of life for all Sierra Leoneans.
