Freetown, 29th January 2026- The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has intensified enforcement along the busy Waterloo–Masiaka corridor, targeting unregistered motor garages and roadside operations that officials say are endangering lives and obstructing traffic.
The operation, launched at Camp Junction in Waterloo, is part of a nationwide drive to enforce compliance with the Road Traffic Act and related regulations. It focuses on makeshift garages and repair shops operating without formal registration or approval from the SLRSA.
Deputy Executive Director Josie Abraham Scott-Manga described the crackdown as a critical step toward improving road safety and easing congestion on one of the country’s most vital intercity routes. He noted that unauthorized garages frequently park vehicles, motorcycles (okadas), and tricycles (kekehs) directly on the roadside, while storing spare parts in public spaces, creating dangerous obstacles for motorists.
“These practices not only block the free flow of traffic but also heighten the risk of collisions, especially in areas with heavy traffic or poor visibility,” Scott-Manga said. He stressed that the removal of unregulated garages is essential to reducing accidents and ensuring smoother travel between Freetown and the provinces.
Under Sierra Leone’s road traffic laws, garages and service facilities must be registered and licensed to meet safety, environmental, and operational standards. Scott-Manga emphasized that enforcement actions like this crackdown are necessary to uphold those standards and protect both road users and workers.
The SLRSA says the initiative is part of broader efforts to decongest major highways and promote safer transport corridors nationwide.
