Sierra Leoneans have called on their government to denounce the recent increase in toll gate fees across Sierra Leone starting from March 1, 2024.

With the revised toll rates, applicable at all three toll gates (Hastings, Songo, and Masiaka), Keke riders will now be charged Le3, Taxis Le5, SUVs, Pickup Jeeps and Mini Buses Le10, Small and Light Vans Le40, Heavy-Duty Vehicles Le700 and Fuel Tankers Le250.

The 27-year tollgate contract, signed under the previous APC-led government of Ernest Bai Koroma, was initiated as part of the government’s agreement for the rehabilitation, reconstruction and widening of the Wellington-Masiaka Highway.

Many citizens hold the view that the new increase in the tollgate fees will create more hardship for the masses and called on the Parliament of Sierra Leone not to approve “such an unpatriotic increase.”

In a recent declaration, Minister of Works, Dr. Denis Sandi said the decision, stemming from a stipulation within the 2017 accord with China Railway Sixth Group (CRSG), aims to tackle various factors such as currency fluctuations and road degradation attributable to overloaded vehicles.

Sandi said the agreement permits toll adjustments in the event of a US Dollar market value surge exceeding 10%.

“There is a clause in the contract the past government signed with the Chinese investors that if there is an increase of over 10% of the market value of the US Dollar, there will be a reconsideration of the toll rates,” he affirmed.

Given the exchange rate surge from 7,500 Leones in 2017 to the current 23,000 Leones, Sandi asserted that this substantial hike warranted renegotiation.

Furthermore, Minister Sandi underscored the issue of vehicles surpassing the ECOWAS weight limit of 53 tonnes. These overloaded vehicles, often exceeding 90 tonnes, substantially contribute to road deterioration, and the adjusted tolls are envisioned to serve as a deterrent.

While acknowledging the financial strain on the Chinese company, Minister Sandi emphasized their cooperation in revising the tolls to maintain affordability for users.

“We believe that as a government, the Chinese have conducted themselves remarkably and have respected our own demands to make the new tolls reasonable enough, considering the fact that they have been losing a total of 6 Million dollars a year,” Sandi stated.