By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a landmark move to reform urban development across Sierra Leone, the Minister of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, has underscored the critical need for urban planning reform during a stakeholder consultation in Bombali District on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. The event, part of a nationwide consultation series, focused on reviewing the Country Planning Act to address pressing challenges in urban areas.
Held at the City Council Hall in Makeni, the consultation attracted a diverse group of participants, including representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), local authorities, civil society organizations, and the media. The event forms part of the Ministry’s broader effort to gather input from all sectors of society to ensure that the new urban planning framework reflects the needs and aspirations of all citizens.
In his keynote address, Minister Senesie emphasized that the current legislative review is essential for reshaping Sierra Leone’s towns and cities, while devolving development control responsibilities to local councils. He stressed that the proliferation of unplanned communities, inadequate infrastructure, and rampant noise pollution were among the major issues that urgently required attention.
“Unplanned development and haphazard construction not only disrupt the aesthetics of our urban areas but also pose serious threats to public health and safety,” said the Minister. He pointed out that many buildings are constructed without regard for zoning regulations, often blocking waterways and damaging the environment.
Dr. Senesie further revealed that the proposed revisions to the Country Planning Act would mandate the creation of green spaces, recreational centers, and urban beautification projects under a new initiative called the City Corridors Development Project. This project aims to collaborate with local councils to transform Sierra Leone’s urban areas into more livable and sustainable environments.
“The future of urban Sierra Leone must include well-planned spaces that promote the health, safety, and well-being of our citizens,” Dr. Senesie declared, highlighting that sustainable urban planning would improve the quality of life for all.
The Minister’s remarks were echoed by Hon. Quinton Sallia, Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Land, who lauded Dr. Senesie for his leadership and dedication to legal reform. “No country can develop without a robust planning framework,” he noted, commending the Minister’s courage in pursuing much-needed reforms that will enhance urban governance.
Stakeholders in attendance, including local council officials, civil society members, and urban planning experts, voiced their support for the initiative. They recognized that the proposed reforms would help address the long-standing challenges that have hindered urban development in Sierra Leone, from poor drainage systems to unregulated building practices.
Discussions during the consultation were robust and insightful, with participants sharing their experiences and suggestions for improving urban planning. The diverse input received during the consultation reflects the Ministry’s commitment to fostering an inclusive dialogue that ensures the voices of all citizens are heard.
As the consultation series continues in Bo, Kenema, Port Loko, Bombali, and Freetown, the Ministry remains focused on engaging stakeholders in meaningful discussions. The overarching goal is to create a more organized, sustainable, and inclusive urban landscape that benefits all Sierra Leoneans.
Minister Senesie’s call for reform comes at a critical time, as Sierra Leone faces rapid urbanization and the need for resilient infrastructure that can accommodate its growing population. The revisions to the Country Planning Act are expected to lay the groundwork for more efficient urban governance and sustainable development in the years to come.
