By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a pivotal nationwide consultation held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, called for transformative changes in land utilization and urban development to bolster national progress. The event, which took place at the Port Loko District Council Hall, drew a range of key Government figures and local leaders.
The consultation was attended by prominent officials including Tamba Lamina, Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs; Umaru Bond Wurie, Resident Minister North; Deputy Mayor of Port Loko City; Hon. Quinton Sallia, Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Land; as well as the District Council Chairman and the Senior District Officer (SDO), who chaired the proceedings.
Dr. Turad Senesie underscored the critical role of effective land use in alleviating poverty and driving national development. He clarified that all land in Sierra Leone is state-owned, with Paramount Chiefs and land-owning families serving as custodians for provincial territories on behalf of the State.
The Minister proposed modern governance reforms, advocating for the decentralization of building and development control functions to Local Councils. This move aims to enable local authorities to play a more substantial role in urban and town planning.
Highlighting the necessity for comprehensive urban redevelopment, Dr. Turad Senesie proposed several enhancements, including the creation of water fountains, green spaces, recreational parks, planned communities and zoos. These features are intended to improve the urban environment and reduce noise pollution.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of strategic zoning for essential services such as hospitals, places of worship, markets and cemeteries to ensure well-planned urban spaces.
To support these initiatives, Dr. Turad Senesie recommended introducing funding mechanisms through property taxes, which would include levies on unoccupied land, building permits and fines for non-compliance. He expressed his commitment to transferring some ministerial powers to Local Councils to foster better-planned communities and sustainable urban growth.
The consultation concluded with a unified call for stakeholders to collaborate on implementing updated laws, restructuring urban areas and promoting inclusive development throughout Sierra Leone. The commitment to effective land management and urban planning is seen as central to addressing poverty, stimulating economic growth and building vibrant, sustainable communities across the nation.
