During the recent parliamentary debate on the approval of presidential appointees, Opposition Chief Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara voiced strong concerns about pressing issues affecting citizens, particularly the state of infrastructure and inefficiencies in public services.
Hon. Kamara condemned the deplorable condition of roads in the Western Area and Northern Regions, attributing the neglect to the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA). Highlighting the incomplete regravelling of the road leading to Munutala Chiefdom Headquarters for over five years, he urged the newly appointed officials to prioritize the completion of this vital project.
He also lamented the dangerous state of the bridge between Bamoi and Munu, which has tragically claimed several lives due to its dilapidated condition.Expressing further discontent, Hon. Kamara criticized the ongoing toll road projects, questioning why citizens are forced to pay toll fees for roads still under construction.
He warned that once the government assumes control of these roads from the Chinese Railway Seventh Group (CRSG), they may deteriorate further due to poor construction standards, which he noted was a breach of the initial agreement.
Turning his attention to the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Hon. Kamara rebuked the agency for its inadequate service delivery in issuing National Identification Cards. He highlighted the inconvenience faced by citizens, particularly those in remote areas, who are often required to travel long distances and pay high fees to obtain their IDs.
Drawing a comparison, he argued that if it were a voter registration exercise, NCRA would have mobilized resources to reach every corner of the country, questioning why similar efforts are not made for national identification.
The Opposition Chief Whip stressed that many institutions now demand a National ID Card for essential services, yet access remains limited, especially for rural communities.
He urged the government to ensure that all citizens, regardless of location, can easily obtain their identification documents without financial strain.
Concluding his remarks, Hon. Kamara emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges, reminding the government that its primary responsibility is to serve the people, who ultimately hold the power.
He called for urgent action to improve infrastructure, enhance public service delivery, and prioritize the welfare of all Sierra Leoneans.
