Inequality and social protection are severe issues in Sierra Leone that need urgent attention by government and other partners. In order to mitigate social protection programs in favour of the aged, disabled people, youth and vulnerable groups, Movement Against Inequality in Sierra Leone (MAISL) on Friday 29 June 2018 validated an inequality and social protection draft report, to serve as a guide.
The research was conducted by the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) on behalf of MAISL and it reviews prevailing investments, trends and management. Prior to the validation of the draft report, the Chair of MAISL, Charles Lahai, said since the formation of the movement that they have undertake several consultation programmes and seminars, mainly on social protection and inequality issues. He pointed out that as a CSO they will do their best to ensure that social protection and inequality issues are minimized in Sierra Leone.
Presenting the report, the Program Manager of IGR, Abdulai K. Jalloh, said the objective of the report is influencing, the targeting of social protection programs in favor of the aged, disabled people, youth and vulnerable groups through funding from taxation and domestic revenue.
The report stated that Sierra Leone is one of the poorest and unequal countries in the world with regards to economics, human development and humanitarian crises, corruption, inflation, commodity price drops, civil war and Ebola.
“Despite significant investment over the past several decades, Sierra Leone retains some of the worst health indicators in the world. 39% of Sierra Leonean households get their drinking water from non-improved sources, including rivers and stream. Only 10% of households in the country use an improved toilet facility that is not shared,” the reported noted
He noted that a key policy statement that obligates Sierra Leone to invest in addressing poverty and inequality are stated broadly in the national constitution, and specific policy instruments and legislations.
The report stated, “The framework for addressing inequality, is volume of investment versus management of that investment,” adding that Government acknowledges that social protection service is deeply fragmented in terms of coverage and targeting. “Numerous institutions have fragmented and uncoordinated role.”
“Consequently, the first “strategic objective” of PRSP 3 under the social protection pillar is to “clarify and implement institutional roles and responsibilities,” the reported noted
Highlighting the key challenges, Jalloh said that insufficient tax revenues, unnecessary tax concessions and corruption impacts delivery of inequality products (basic social services) – Garvey fund, Ebola funds, mudslide disaster mismanagement and MDAs fail to comply with audit recommendations amongst others are key issues hindering social protection and equality over the years.
Amongst the findings, the report presented to mitigate social protection and inequality is to ensure the involvement of local communities in the design implementation and monitoring of programs addressing inequality, Civil Society must advocate for monitoring of inequality service delivery to be institutionalized and legalized and advocates must help Local Councils reclaim their rightful role to champion development for their communities – advocate for complete devolution. MJB/30/6/18
By Mohamed J. Bah
Monday July 02 2018.
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