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By Josephine W. Lagawo
Members of parliament on Thursday April 6th 2023 passed into law the Wages and Salary Compensation Act 2023. The Bill seeks to harmonize wages and salaries within the civil and private sector and address disparity. The Bill he said is divided into seven parts.
Presenting the bill to Members of Parliament, the Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed FantaMadi Bangura said that the success of a government depends on the quality of workforce. Mr. Bangura highlighted among other things, the financial provisions, the power of the commission and other remunerations as well as pensions and gratuity for staff.
Hon Abdul Karim Kamara in his contribution said during the 2017 and 2018 campaign, President Bio said he would address the issue of over blotted wage bill if voted in as President. Former President Koroma, he said left the wage bill 1.9 trillion but now the wage bill is 4.8 trillion. Hon Kamara informed the speaker that had the act been passed before now the country should have not been experiencing such over blotted bill that has necessitated the commission. He blamed the speaker for depriving the public as the bill has spent three years in parliament.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hon Segepoh Solomon retorted that if the MP from Kambia does not respect the speaker, he must show respect for the office he occupies. Hon Daniel Koroma said there are various concerns in harmonizing the wage bill. He noted that the status quo of the present bill has been around for decades and State House will always dictate to the Ministry of Finance how they wanted Directors to be paid. Hon Koroma said this bill needed due diligence because the nomenclature Wages and Salary is too broad.
Hon Mustapha Sellu reminded the house that government has recruited five thousand teachers and fourteen thousands of teachers now have Pin-Codes. He said that the bill will regulate the salary for people working in the public service. Hon Sama Sandy said from 2018 to date teacher’s salaries have increased to 45%.
The Leader of Government Business Hon Mathew Nyuma said people have been disadvantaged of salary the problem has been solved they are going to look for value for money and longevity of service. The Minister responded that some of the observations members of parliament have made would be considered at the committee stage.
