Hon. Aaron Koroma Raises Alarm

 By Shadrach Aziz Kamara

Deputy Opposition Leader 2, Hon. Aaron Koroma has on Thursday 13th March 2025, expressed serious concerns over the environmental threats posed by illegal mining and the rising cost of essential goods, particularly cement, which has surged by over 35%.

During a Parliamentary session, Hon. Aaron Koroma highlighted the urgent need for government intervention to address the environmental degradation of the country’s water resources, particularly the River Rokel that provides reliable renewable energy.

“If nothing serious is done to stop the environmental degradation on this river due to illegal mining and other activities, we risk losing the only water source with the potential to curb the ongoing energy and water crisis,” Hon. Koroma warned.

He also raised concerns over the increasing cost of cement, which has skyrocketed from 160 Leones to over 200 Leones per bag in some areas, making construction projects difficult for many Sierra Leoneans.

“If cement is unavailable in Freetown, how much worse will it be for people in remote areas like Koinadugu?” he questioned, urging the government to explain the contradiction between stable exchange rates and rising commodity prices.

In response, Speaker of Parliament Hon. Solomon Segepoh Thomas announced urgent meetings with key government officials.

“On Monday, we will meet with the Minister of Environment and the Minister of Trade to discuss these pressing issues,” he assured.

He emphasized that these discussions are not political but are in the public interest. He therefore urged all members of the relevant committees to be present.