As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of motor vehicle licensing, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Mr. Rex Bhonafa officially commissioned a Mobile Licensing Vehicle (MLV) at the Youyi Building in Freetown.
Welcoming transport stakeholders at the event, Deputy Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), Mr. Josie Abraham Scott Manga described the launch of the MLV as a significant milestone in the Authority’s mission to bring vital vehicle licensing services closer to the people.
“The MLV was developed to improve accessibility, especially for citizens in remote or underserved areas who often face challenges with license renewals and new registrations”, he stated, emphasising the Authority’s ongoing commitment to service, innovation, and integrity.
Executive Director of the SLRSA, Mr. James Baggie Bio noted that the initiative stemmed from consistent feedback from transport stakeholders regarding the challenges of vehicle licensing.
“The mobile station will move from point to point to ensure our services are more accessible,” he said. He also announced the opening of a new licensing station in Jui and that of Milton Margai, which would serve the Jui and Goderich communities, respectively.
Mr. Bio further revealed that a second Mobile Licensing Vehicle, focused on issuing driver’s licenses, will be commissioned shortly. With this expansion, he affirmed that the Authority will have fully decentralised its licensing operations across the country.
In his keynote address, Deputy Minister Bhonafa encouraged all transport stakeholders to embrace and make full use of the innovation.
He reaffirmed President Bio’s commitment to improved service delivery and informed the gathering that the Ministry, through the SLRSA, had recently ratified the African Road Safety Charter—an initiative expected to significantly boost road safety standards nationwide.
Speaking on behalf of transport stakeholders, the Vice President of the drivers’ union, Mr. Momodu Koroma expressed appreciation for the SLRSA’s inclusive approach.
He commended the Executive Director for consistently engaging stakeholders in key decision-making processes and called for continued collaboration in efforts to enhance road safety in Sierra Leone.
Similar sentiments were echoed by the President of the Keke Riders’ Union and a representative of the bike riders’ union, both of whom welcomed the MLV as a much-needed step forward in service delivery.
