The Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA) is under scrutiny over the availability of Waka Fine buses. Stakeholders have questioned whether the number of buses reported as operational matches what commuters see on the roads. This was raised during the Ministry of Finance's discussions on the 2027 budget. Civil Society Organisations, Non-State Actors, and District Public Oversight Committees demanded clearer statistics and supporting documents to assess the Authority's performance and funding request.
Regina Kombay-Kajue, a supporter of Waka Fine, said she waited nearly two hours for a bus in Murray Town before resorting to alternative transport. She questioned the whereabouts of buses reported by SLPTA as operational, suggesting that only about 15 to 20 buses were regularly visible on the roads. This sentiment was echoed by other stakeholders, who expressed concerns over the reliability of public transport.
SLPTA Director General Isaac Ken Green acknowledged the concerns and apologized to stakeholders. He promised to provide additional information and documentation requested. Green said the Authority operates with approximately 38 staff, placing significant pressure on its capacity to regulate public transport nationwide.
According to SLPTA, the reduced bus availability is partly attributed to rising fuel prices and operational costs. Fares have remained low despite increases in fuel prices, affecting the operator's ability to maintain the fleet. The Ministry of Finance has approved fuel subsidy support for Metro Transport Company, which operates Waka Fine, to help increase the number of buses on the road.
Waka Fine currently carries about 10,000 passengers daily along the Lumley–Central Bus Station and Allen Town–Central Bus Station corridors. However, the company faces challenges such as fare evasion, maintenance delays, staff shortages, and inadequate monitoring systems.
SLPTA is requesting additional 2027 funding to strengthen regulation, digital monitoring, enforcement, and oversight of taxis, poda-podas, kekehs, and commercial motorcycle operators. The Authority says stronger investment is required to improve public transport reliability and accountability.
The concerns over Waka Fine bus availability and the SLPTA's performance have sparked a wider conversation about the state of public transport in Sierra Leone. As stakeholders await the Authority's response and additional information, commuters continue to face challenges in accessing reliable and efficient public transport.
Key points
- SLPTA faces scrutiny over Waka Fine bus availability
- Stakeholders demand clearer statistics and supporting documents
- Authority requests additional funding to improve public transport reliability and accountability
