In a recent declaration, Dr. Denis Sandi, the Minister of Works, disclosed a forthcoming rise in toll gate fees across Sierra Leone starting from March 1, 2024.
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 elaborated that 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.
The revised toll rates, applicable at all three toll gates (Hastings, Songo, and Masiaka), are classified into six groups as follows:
– Group 1 – Keke: Revised from Le1 to Le 3
– Group 2 – Taxis: Revised from Le 2 to Le 5
– Group 3 – SUVs, Pickup Jeeps, and Mini Buses: Revised from Le 4 to Le 10
– Group 4 – Small and Light Vans: Revised from Le 18 to Le 40
– Group 5 – Heavy-Duty Vehicles: Revised from Le 183 to Le 700
– Group 6 – Fuel Tankers: Revised from Le 100 to Le 250 (Note: Only when loaded with fuel).
