By Nasratu Kargbo
Parliamentary sitting was called off yesterday after the air cooling systems in the chamber stopped working effectively, drawing the frustration of the lawmakers.
The angry MPs later addressed the media, making their feelings known. Siaka Musa Sama from Pujehun district said he was extremely disappointed, having to travel all the way so he can contribute to a bill titled the Tobacco and Nicotine Act of 2021, which he described as very important, only for the issue of the air conditioner to surface.
He noted that some of them stay far away from Freetown and that traveling across the country costs them a lot. Sama suggested that an investigation be conducted because since 2018 they have had about two major maintenances on the facility.
He said they needed to know whether it was sabotage. He said there are cameras in parliament that should be able to tell if it were foul play. He suggested for a professional be brought in to check what could have affected the system.
Chief Whip for the Opposition Hassan Sesay expressed “disappointment”, at the situation which he said should have been communicated to the members of parliament, which could have saved them their effort and time.
MP Sahr Charles from Kono district said the situation was unfortunate, at a time they were prepared to discuss issues for the common good of the state.
He called on the administration to step up, noting that it will be “difficult or impossible to have a sitting without the cooling system”. He dismissed the quick-fix idea but does not last long. “We want to see something sustainable”, said Charles.
The Acting Director for Legislative Services in Parliament Momodu Lamin Deen-Rogers said the air conditioner’s fault was only detected in the morning. He explained the system was fixed after midday, which led to canceling of the day’s sitting.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (03/06/22)
