By Allieu Sahid Tunkara
Commuters in Freetown have expressed their dissatisfaction with the increase in fares by drivers plying various routes in the nation’s capital.
The increase in fares by drivers was a response to the new price announced by the Petroleum Regulatory Agency, an institution responsible for the regulation of oil marketers. The perceived shortage of diesel, the first after several years, was a precursor to the announcement of the new price. Though the three-day scarcity of diesel was widely seen as a shortage, others have viewed it as a hoarding venture owing to the expected increase in price.
The oil regulator has released the list containing prices of the main oil products from (Petrol and diesel) Le 8, 500 to Le 9,000 which do not seem to go down well with drivers. Freetown drivers, over the years, have gained notoriety for exploiting passengers by compelling them to pay more than the double the normal price. The latest increase by PRA has now seen by most drivers as an opportunity to strengthen their pranks on commuters.
The commuters, as usual, are always on the wrong end as they bear the incidence of the increase in fuel price. They are currently at loggerheads with drivers and conductors on the streets as drivers are inclined to go against the announced price commuters are instructed to pay. Quarrels and scuffles are not uncommon between commuters and drivers over the exact fare to pay. The former are inclined to stick to the old price while the latter demand an increase in the fare though unequalled to the new price.
In a Mini bus vehicle heading for Bombay Lorry Park, a scuffle erupted between the conductor and the passenger over the exact fare the passenger must pay. According to the parties to the conflict, the passenger boarded the vehicle at 55-Lorry Park in Waterloo, and alighted at Newyork junction not too far from the Hastings Toll Gate. The passenger was going to pay Le 2,000 for the distance covered while the conductor was persistently demanding Le 3,000. The variance in the price led to the scuffle.
Imah conteh is popular Waterloo commuter. She almost always travels to Freetown on her business trips. She purchases assorted, imported goods which she sells on retail in her community. She felt disappointed with the announcement of the new price. “This is a real burden for us the regular travelers. The increased transportation means we have to reduce our Frequent travelling to Freetown,” She said. Ms. Conteh, although a retailer, has a relative degree of formal education. She holds a Teacher’s Certificate from Freetown Teachers’ College. She has taught for several years but later quit the classroom owing to the miserable condition of the teaching service. With Such education, she could read between the lines and interpret.
By all indications, Ms. Conteh seems highly suspicious of future price hikes for fuel. She told Nightwatch the government would be doing it on a “gradual scale.” Recently, the price of petrol and diesel was Le6, 500. In a twinkle of an eye, the price is now Le 9,000. So, it is predictable, by the trend of events, that the price will soon reach Le 10,000,” she predicts.
Ms. Conteh referred to petroleum as a “sensitive commodity.” The continued increase in its price, surely affects other productive sectors of the economy talk less of the hardship it would bear on the livelihoods particularly the less privileged. “If the hardship continues above this level, the government should get ready to ceaselessly battle with thieves,” She said. Similarly, she also imagined that the prevalent hardship could be a “government ploy” to reduce an exploded Freetown population. “The high level of hardship will compel a great many ‘Freetownians’ to return to the provinces,” She imagined.
Alpha Amadu Bah is the president for the Motor Drivers and General Transport Workers Union. Mr. Bah does not hesitate to point accusing fingers at the oil marketers to have embarked on a hoarding spree of the diesel to worsen the transport crises. The Drivers Union president made the indictment ‘Morning Coffee’, the flagship programme of the public broadcaster, Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation. The President called on the oil marketers to deviate from the hoarding spree. The Union President is quite aware that an increase in the price of fuel would lead to a corresponding increase in the transport fares.
Dr Edward Sandy is the country’s Minister of Trade. During the crisis period, he told the public that government would put in place measures to calm situation down. When asked whether there would be an increase in the price of fuel. The Minister replied in the affirmative, but assured that the increase would not be one that would cause more discomfort to the public.
The growing military tension between the US and Iran has been partly blamed for the perceived shortage of fuel. Iran is a major exporter of fuel and key member of the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries(OPEC), an international organisation that regulates the supply of oil to countries. When an OPEC member is hit, other parts of the world feels the pinch especially countries that are heavily dependent on wheels and oil. Sierra Leone is one of them.
But, the Executive Director for the Research and Native Consortium, Edmond Abu totally disagrees with government. He had, on several occasions, threatened government with “mass protest” at any time government makes an attempt to increase fuel price. The current situation is no difference.
The public is waiting to see if Ms. Conteh’s prophecy would come to pass predictably, if not inevitably.