June 7, 2016 By Joseph S. Margai
In line with the ongoing rebranding process of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), 154 members of the Road Safety Corps have successfully passed-out at the Armed Forces Training Centre, Benguema village in the Western Area Rural District.
Members of the Road Safety Corps were tasked to intensify road safety measures by not only arresting traffic offenders, but also preventing road accidents, going to lorry parks and schools to educate drivers and students about road safety, and administering first aid treatment to accident victims.
Making her statement on Saturday at the Passing-out parade,Executive Director of SLRTA, Dr. Sarah Finda Bendu said members of the Road Safety Corps who were formerly called traffic wardens, have contributed immensely in the reduction of lawlessness among drivers and commercial motor bike riders.
She recalled that the Road Safety Corps came into existence in December 2003 and that they existed without ranks.
She added that during the rebranding process of the Authority, they thought it fit to change the name of the Corps and provide them with ranks, so as to distinguish the senior ones from their junior colleagues.
“The change of name and uniform of the Corps is in line with the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety which will end in 2020. There were also many public perceptions about the traffic wardens. These perceptions include the claim that the traffic wardens are only there to issue tickets, clamp and tow abandoned vehicles,” she said.
She added that they were trained in accident prevention and first aid delivery techniques among many other disciplines.
Dr. Bendu mentioned the refurbishment of the licensing hall, ultra-modern workshop, and the ongoing construction of an ultra-modern administrative office at Africanus Road as part of the rebranding process of the Authority
“The professionalism and dedication of the SLRSA is pivotal in the upholding of the rule of law. What the Corps had learnt will help them to manage the increasing tough challenges and high public expectations as well as a wider variety of traffic offenders,” she said.
She commended President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma for showing a strong political will in the promotion of road safety, while also thanking the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) for providing training for the first batch of the Road Safety Corps.
Minister of Transport and Aviation, Leonard Balogun Koroma said the transport sector was the most critical sector in the development of the economy of the country.
He added that transportation was needed to convey agricultural produce, medical drugs and people among many other things.
“In light of this, there should be a well-structured system to regulate the transport industry. Safety is needed in the transport sector and these Road Safety Corps will have to embark on massive road safety drive,” he said.
He commended authorities of the SLRSA for achieving the change of name and uniform for the Road Safety Corps. He also thanked the CDS for supporting the SLRSA in training its members.
Giving his overview of the training, the Commandant of the Armed Forces Training Centre, Lt. Col. Tejan Kanu said under the directives of the Ministry of Defense, the training of the Road Safety Corps started in May.
“They were trained in contemporary leadership course, globalization, communication skills, among other disciplines. As an aftermath of the physical test, there was one casualty and I want to thank the SLRSA authorities for their support in the funeral arrangement of that person,” he stated.
The swearing of oath was done by Joseph Osman Dauda, the Human Resource Director of the SLRSA.
Meanwhile, seven members of the Road Safety Corps proved themselves outstanding during the training and they were awarded.