By Jariatu S. Bangura
Opposition lawmaker Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray, representing Moyamba District, has called on the Speaker of Parliament to urge the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) to establish more centers for the collection of national identity cards.
During a parliamentary session, Hon. Mansaray raised concerns about the significant challenges citizens face in obtaining their national identity cards, particularly in rural and remote areas. He emphasized the economic burden placed on individuals who must travel long distances—sometimes over several days or at great cost to reach the few existing collection centers.
The lawmaker noted that vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, and persons with disabilities, face even greater difficulties. Many endure long queues and arduous journeys just to acquire voter IDs, a situation he described as unacceptable.
Highlighting the uneven distribution of collection points, Hon. Mansaray specifically mentioned areas like the Western Rural District, where a single center struggles to serve the entire population.
He criticized the NCRA for failing to adequately meet the needs of citizens and called for immediate action to address these shortcomings.
He proposed that the government revisit its current approach by establishing more collection centers across the country, including mobile units to reach remote communities—a strategy that had proven effective in the past.
He also urged Parliament to summon the NCRA Director General to present a detailed plan for expanding the network of collection points to make the process more accessible and efficient.
Additionally, Hon. Mansaray called for an extension of the current deadline for national ID collection, describing it as unrealistic given the widespread access challenges. He emphasized that improving access to national IDs would not only benefit citizens but also generate much-needed revenue for the government.
Supporting his appeal, House Chief Whip Hon. Dickson Rogers advocated for extending the deadline to allow more time for citizens to apply for and collect their IDs.
As the debate unfolds, Parliament is expected to discuss inviting the NCRA and relevant ministries to present a comprehensive plan to address these issues. Lawmakers are determined to ensure that all Sierra Leoneans can access their national identity cards without unnecessary hardship.
