The Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA) has revealed that only eight out of 100 buses acquired by the previous government remain operational. This is due to years of breakdowns and recent fires that have rendered most of the buses non-functional. SLPTA Director General Isaac Ken-Green made this disclosure during an interview, highlighting the authority's plans to rebuild the infrastructure needed to sustain public bus services.
According to Ken-Green, several buses had already become non-functional before he assumed leadership of the transport institution in 2018. He also disclosed that more than five buses were recently destroyed by fire, with the circumstances surrounding the incidents remaining unclear. The cases were referred to the Criminal Investigation Department, with some drivers arrested during the investigation. However, the investigations did not produce a conclusive outcome at the time.
Ken-Green emphasized that restoring the bus fleet requires more than acquiring replacement vehicles. He stressed the need to establish and maintain the infrastructure required to keep buses operational. The authority has access to land in several locations that could be developed into transport facilities, including depots and terminals. This will enable the SLPTA to create a functional network capable of supporting its bus operations.
The SLPTA chief said the immediate priority is to establish fully functional public transport infrastructure, including depots, terminals, and properly equipped mechanical workshops staffed by personnel capable of servicing the buses. He also stressed the importance of secure parking facilities, saying the authority needs designated locations where buses can be safely parked, serviced, and maintained.
Looking ahead, Ken-Green said the SLPTA is considering establishing depots at strategic locations, including Number Two River and Jui. The authority intends to ensure that the proposed depots are fully operational before expanding the bus fleet, with maintenance capacity considered an essential part of any future investment in public transportation.
The SLPTA's efforts to strengthen Sierra Leone's public transportation system come as the country seeks to address the infrastructure and maintenance challenges affecting the availability of government-backed buses. The authority's plans aim to create a reliable and efficient public transport system, providing citizens with improved access to transportation services.
The comments from Ken-Green highlight the challenges facing Sierra Leone's public transportation sector and the need for investment in infrastructure and maintenance. The SLPTA's plans to rebuild and expand its bus fleet, while establishing a functional network of depots and terminals, are crucial to improving the country's public transportation system.
Key points
- Only 8 out of 100 buses bought by Ernest Bai Koroma's government are still operational.
- The SLPTA plans to establish fully functional public transport infrastructure, including depots, terminals, and mechanical workshops.
- The authority aims to create a functional network capable of supporting its bus operations before expanding the bus fleet.
