The Sierra Leone government must relocate people living in all flood plains and ensure the proper management of the drainage infrastructure as part of a permanent solution to the perennial problem of flooding in Freetown, a new report has suggested.
Sierra Leone police overhauling its checkpoint system nationwide
By Allieu Sahid Tunkara
The Sierra Leone Police says it has put in motion a project designed to overhaul its checkpoint system across the country, with the goal of strengthening national security while preventing corruption within the force.
The project entails the reintroduction of checkpoints in locations where they had been removed and construction of standard facilities in all checkpoints nationwide. Every checkpoint will have attached to it a detention facility to keep suspected criminals, according to a spokesman for the Police force.
The Interview: How Is Sierra Leone Doing with Tobacco?
With Kemo Cham
Tobacco is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been at the forefront of the fight to prevent tobacco related deaths. It seeks to achieve this through the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
Fishermen threaten strike action
By Allieu Sahid Tunkara
Fishing boat owners have threatened to embark on a strike action against a new license policy proposed by the government.
The proposed fee of Le1.5million is expected to be paid by every boat owner annually.
License fee collectors have already been deployed at various fishing communities to start the collection. Since the year is midway gone, the fishermen said the government has asked them to pay only Le 500, 000 for 2019. And they have until the end of this month to complete the payment.
Sierra Leone female MPs intensify 30% quota call
By Kemo Cham
The Sierra Leone Parliament has rekindled the process of actualizing a long held dream of an Affirmative Action Law geared towards empowerment of women.
Discussions as part of an effort to prepare an Affirmative Action Bill for eventual enactment went underway this week in a workshop organized by the Female Caucus in the House.
The workshop which ended on Wednesday heard appeals for renewed efforts from lawmakers and other stakeholders.
Drivers unhappy despite increased fares
By Allieu Sahid Tunkara
In spite of an increment in public transport fares, some commercial motor drivers in Freetown have expressed unhappiness, saying the increment is too little.
Although drivers who spoke to Politico said they would accept the decision albeit reluctantly, on the streets there is a visible act of defiance among many. Some are charging beyond the stipulated prices agreed between the government and the Drivers’ Union.
WHO expert warns of ‘worrying trend’ of underage smoking
By Kemo Cham
The Sierra Leone government must act fast and tough in its fight against tobacco consumption in the country, an anti-tobacco expert has warned.
Andrew Black, a World Health Organization (WHO) anti-tobacco control official, said tobacco use among particularly children is growing at a “worrying trend” that requires not just a tougher anti-tobacco law but also one that strongly counters the growing influence of tobacco advertising and promotion.
