- Civil society group, Campaign for Good Governance has expressed “grave concern [over] the continued challenges encountered by ordinary citizens to access basic social services” saying it is a neglect by government of the rights of Sierra Leoneans. It also criticises the “breakdown” in law and order and the frequent shortages of fuel leading to long queues especially in Freetown. In a press release, the organisation says, “It has become quite challenging in recent months to have access to basic water supply let alone…safe drinking water. Electricity supply is extremely irregular and purchasing fuel has become a privilege…[and] the rights of citizens have not been protected and are consistently abused…” It also denounces “the growing number of indiscriminate street trading across the city, abandoned vehicles found in almost every corner, garages spilling over into the streets, construction of brick and zinc houses in the most obscure places…” Speaking to Politico, the head of CGG, Valnora Edwin says that even when water does come from the taps, it is muddy and unfit for drinking or cooking. She says there is lawlessness with the “entire city [now] a market place … students threatening the college authorities...a total breakdown of law and order [and] state institutions weak.” Valnora attributes the state of affairs to “the high politicization of everything in the country.” Minister of Information, Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, told Politico that his government was aware of the problems affecting social amenities and that the Infrastructure Committee had met and prioritised the supply of water and electricity to especially the city. He said the hydro plant was underperforming because water levels in Bumbuna had fallen due to the dry season. Kargbo said government was struggling with the services because of “long years of neglect”. He said the issue of fuel was a private sector affair with government only providing oversight. On lawlessness, the minister said President Ernest Bai Koroma addressed the issue of indiscipline recently which he said would be dealt with immediately and more aggressively. “Government will no longer tolerate indiscipline all in the name of democracy,” he assured.
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