By Ragan M. Conteh
Parliament has, last Thursday, approved a bilateral air service agreement between Sierra Leone and many others. Making his submissions during proceedings Chairman of Transport and Aviation Committee in Parliament, Hon. Maada Lebby said the agreements were among other series of agreements that had passed through parliament.
Lebby said the agreements cost nothing to the state and it would help the country to comply with international aviation standards. “These agreements will benefit Sierra Leone immensely relative to job creation, tourism etc. We are encourage the private sector to invest,” he appealed.
Hon Catherine Zainab Tarawallie said Sierra Leone had lagged behind in ratifying the agreements as other countries had ratified them long ago, and had been enjoying the services. Hon Tarawallie sees job creation as one the benefits associated with the agreements.
“We are ratifying these agreements that would bring jobs for our students from universities. Let us try to hastily ratify the agreements to bring development to Sierra Leone,” She appealed.
Hon. Sahr Charles raised concerns about the agreements relating to the improvement of aviation, and called for immediate ratification. Hon. Joseph William-Lamin said in light of the agreements, he would like young Sierra Leoneans to fly aircraft.
“I want to see a situation where compatriots working in the aviation sector to represent the state honestly and sincerely,” he stressed while speaking about the protection of air service space, integrity, and Infrastructure safety.
In his contribution, Honourable Mahmoud Kalokoh said air services connote liberalisation and made reference to countries that are now enjoying the services. Acting Leader of Opposition, Hon. Hassan Sesay said the agreements were a welcome situation and admonished the ministry not to delay such agreements in the future.
Hon Sesay spoke about job opportunities out of the agreements for the people of Sierra Leone, adding that government alone cannot provide jobs for the people, but with support from the private sector, it is possible.
He called for the training of host communities and impact on the economy through livelihood support, and cautioned the minister to ensure that the air services comply with quality assurance.
“The flights that come here should be of higher quality” he stated and called on the minister and parliamentarians that went on to say, let that be part of the agreements as well as affordability.
“Let us try to make the ticket affordable,” he emphasised.
In his submission, acting leader of government business, Hon. Dickson Rogers said the agreements were not controversial, and emphasised safety. “If the agreements are followed or properly implemented Sierra Leone would be the best place for air services,” he said.
He also raised concerns over the provisions of air hostess not in the agreements and said that it was time to start training young women for such careers. He spoke about other related opportunities relating to air services, especially for free visa countries.
Presenting the bill for ratification, Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alex Rex Bhonapha recalled the formation of International Civil Aviation Organisations (ICAO) and a treaty as well as freedom surrounding air services.
Bhonapha appealed to government to continue to support bilateral agreements and spoke about the importance of the agreements highlighting key areas of the agreements which include traffic rights, capacity, designation, ownership and control among others.