By Richmond B. Tholley
Residents from across the District’s nineteen chiefdoms have angrily reacted to a press release from the Tonkolili District Council outlining strict price increments for community, religious, and social events.
In the press release dated 18th March 2025, the Tonkolili District Council announced new fees for public events, including musical rallies, school Thanksgiving ceremonies, and street jogging, prompting questions from residents.
Justifying its action, the Tonkolili District Council says it has a mandate from Section 63(1)(c) of the Local Government Act of 2022. The said Section from the Local Government Act states that a Local Council shall issue a licence to any person in a locality who holds any concert, dance, musical, theatrical, or other entertainment.
The public is warned to adhere to the law by obtaining permission from the Council or face the full force of the law as prescribed in the Local Government Act.
The decision by the Council raised concerns, with many locals questioning the reason behind the fees. Organizing a musical rally will now come with a substantial cost, while schools planning Thanksgiving services will also need to pay a fee.
Even street jogging, a popular activity for young people and fitness enthusiasts, is subject to a fee.
Reactions have been mixed, with many believing the fees are necessary to maintain order and security at public events, while the majority feel the public has been exposed to an unnecessary burden on schools and youth groups with limited resources.
The council has yet to respond to public inquiries, leaving many residents to debate the impact of the new fees on community life.
Citizens of Magburaka especially have raised serious concerns regarding the recent increase in the application fees for social activities within the town.
“This hike in costs will cause significant hardship for many, especially the youths, who rely on these activities for personal and professional development.
There are calls for the leadership of the Tonkolili District Council to reconsider its decision and consider working in the interest of the public.
“We respectfully request that those responsible for this fee increase reconsider their decision and make a withdrawal, as it is unjust and detrimental to the community,” a resident wrote on social media.
The general view residents hold is that the Tonkolili District Council has failed to deliver meaningful development not only in Magburaka but communities around the district.
“Since 2018, the council has not taken concrete steps to address the pressing needs of the town, leaving the people feeling neglected and overlooked. The community desperately needs a Youth Resource Centre, access to better infrastructure, and essential services that are long overdue,” another resident added.
Instead of initiating development programmes across the district, residents are disturbed that another burden has been added, making life difficult, especially for ordinary citizens.
