By Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
The Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority has moved to strengthen oversight of the country’s railway industry with a draft regulatory framework aimed at improving governance, safety, and investor confidence.
SLRDRA convened a high-level stakeholder consultation this week to review the draft before it is presented to Cabinet and Parliament for approval.
The meeting brought together government agencies, regulatory bodies, private operators, and development partners. Discussions focused on aligning the proposed rules with national priorities and international standards as investment in the sector ramps up.
Key projects driving the reform include the proposed Mines-Port Railway linking Tonkolili North Kasafoni to Banana Island, alongside existing mining railway concessions and other infrastructure developments.
Speaking at the forum, SLRDRA Deputy Director General George Simeon Songu said stakeholder input was critical to delivering an inclusive and practical regulatory system.
“We are committed to a framework that supports railway modernisation while safeguarding public interest,” he said.
Engineer Albert Sovula outlined the Authority’s mandate, which includes regulating railway and cable car services, issuing operating licences, investigating incidents, and enforcing compliance under the Sierra Leone Railway Act.
Other presentations covered proposed technical and operational standards, strategic planning, licensing procedures, institutional partnerships, and environmental safeguards. Officials stressed that all railway projects will be required to undergo mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments.
Stakeholders welcomed the draft, calling it a timely step to boost safety, efficiency, and logistics capacity. Representatives from Kingho Rail and Port, the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning pledged support for its implementation.
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