The Native Consortium and Research Centre in Sierra Leone has released a post-mortem report on the procurement and operation of 50 Waka Fine buses purchased for $7.5 million. The report raises concerns about the condition of the buses at the time of purchase, revenue management, and the failure to replace grounded buses. According to the Consortium, there is evidence that the buses supplied by Ashok Leyland were not brand new, contrary to previous claims by the Ministry of Transport.
The report questions whether the Ministry procured the buses as new vehicles, citing alleged defects, high mileage, and other indicators that cast doubt on their condition. The Consortium also demands an account of approximately 150.1 million Leones ($6.39 million) generated by the transport operation between February 2024 and September 2026. Of this amount, 79.9 million Leones reportedly went to Metro Transport Company (MTC) operations, while 30 million Leones was allocated to the Fleet Renewal Fund.
The report raises concerns that no replacement buses have been procured despite the revenue generated and the allocation to the Fleet Renewal Fund. It also notes that the service has not been expanded to underserved areas along the East Corridor, including Waterloo, and the West Corridor, particularly No. 2 and Borbor. The Consortium criticizes the reported monthly fuel subsidy requirement of 825,000 Leones, arguing that continued government support without proper accountability would burden public finances.
The report discloses that 11 buses are currently grounded after being cannibalized for spare parts, raising questions about maintenance and long-term sustainability. The Consortium calls on the Ministry of Transport, SLPTA, and the World Bank to ensure Ashok Leyland is held accountable for alleged defects, including invoking relevant contractual provisions and the one-year warranty.
The Consortium compares the 2015 Shinka Logus 100-bus initiative with the current procurement, warning against repeated purchases of older vehicles presented as new. As part of its recommendations, the Consortium demands an immediate suspension of operational subsidies to transport agencies until they provide a comprehensive account of revenue, expenditure, and fleet condition.
The Consortium also wants authorities to explain how the Fleet Renewal Fund has been managed and why no replacement buses have been introduced despite collected funds. The report has been submitted to the Transparency Committee and made available to the public for consideration and a hearing. The Consortium is prepared to escalate the matter to the World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC, if the committee fails to ensure accountability.
The Native Consortium's report draws attention to the need for transparency and accountability in Sierra Leone's public transportation sector. The Consortium's recommendations aim to protect the public interest and ensure that public resources are managed effectively. The matter is expected to be considered by the Transparency Committee, and the public is awaiting a response from the relevant authorities.
Key points
- The Native Consortium questions the procurement of 50 Waka Fine buses purchased for $7.5 million.
- The report demands an account of approximately 150.1 million Leones generated by the transport operation.
- The Consortium recommends suspending operational subsidies to transport agencies until they provide a comprehensive account of their operations.
