By Millicent Senava Mannah
The Sierra Leone Police(SLP) has presented their budget proposal for the fiscal year 2024 during the ongoing budget hearing at the Ministry of Finance, where they requested approximately Le501 billion (in old notes) to fund their day-to-day operations, putting forward various essential activities and initiatives they aim to undertake next year (2024).
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Sahr Senessie, piloted the proposed budget request at the Ministry of Finance were as Chief Superintendent Alieu Turay, the SLP’s Head of Procurement, underscored the multifaceted responsibilities of the Police Force which encompass safeguarding lives and property, maintaining law and order as well as upholding public peace and tranquility.
It must be noted that the initial budget ceiling for the Sierra Leone Police in the fiscal year 2024 was set at Le307.806 billion, for which the force has requested approximately Le501 billion, representing an increase of over Le193 billion as per their planned activities.
He mentioned their total involvement in various activities that extend beyond traditional law enforcement, which can be demanding as he justified their budget request for the 2024 financial year, adding that, among their key priorities for the upcoming year are the acquisition of 35 new Police patrol vehicles, the recruitment of 1000 Police personnel, and the completion of the Aberdeen Division Police Headquarters, along with other initiatives for which there is need for the increment in the budget.
Chief Superintendent Alieu also maintained that the additional activities are deemed critical and cost-effective.
Outlining their achievements over the past year, he said is the reconstruction of the Kamakwie Police Division Headquarters and Barracks, which were destroyed during the August 10th riot in 2022. He added that, they successfully established the SLP Radio Station 9.1 FM, and how they effectively managed to de-escalate several unlawful protests and riots throughout the country.
Chief Superintendent Turay also highlighted their challenges, which include shortage of personnel due to attrition rates, heightened demand for Police services in emerging communities, contemporary/emerging security issues and budgetary constraints stemming from delayed disbursements.
He pointed out that the Force has accumulated a combined debt of approximately Le 5.3 billion owed to the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and Guma Valley.
