The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning is advancing plans to introduce a homegrown National Building Code aimed at strengthening construction standards, improving urban planning and addressing the growing challenge of unsafe and unauthorized developments across Sierra Leone.
Speaking during a progress review meeting in Freetown, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senessie, described the proposed National Building Code as a landmark legal and policy framework that will promote safe, orderly and sustainable development throughout the country.
He emphasized that the draft Code has been tailored specifically to Sierra Leone’s geographical, environmental and developmental realities rather than relying on foreign models. He commended the consultants, engineers, architects and the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers for producing a document that reflects local conditions and national priorities.
According to the Minister, the review meeting assessed progress made on the draft Code, evaluated the current stage of the process and outlined the next steps toward its implementation.
To ensure broad stakeholder participation, Dr. Turad Senessie directed the Director of Country Planning to organize a two-day national validation workshop involving local councils, Civil Society Organizations, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, development partners and other key stakeholders. He said the workshop will provide consultants with the opportunity to present the draft in detail while allowing participants to make recommendations before the document is submitted to Cabinet and subsequently to Parliament for approval.
The Minister stressed that public education and nationwide sensitization campaigns will be essential for the successful implementation of the Code. Once enacted, he noted, the National Building Code will serve as a legally enforceable instrument operating alongside the National Country Planning Act, 2025.
Expressing concern over the increasing rate of unauthorized construction, Dr. Turad Senessie warned that indiscriminate building practices, poor waste management and failure to adhere to professional standards continue to pose serious threats to public safety and environmental sustainability.
He highlighted the misuse of drainage channels as dumping sites and cautioned that vulnerable communities such as Susan’s Bay, Kroo Bay and Murray Town remain highly exposed to the consequences of uncontrolled urban development.
The Minister further disclosed that reports indicate more than 70 percent of buildings currently under construction are allegedly proceeding without approved building permits. He warned that the Government is preparing stricter enforcement measures and tougher penalties to curb illegal construction activities and improve compliance with planning regulations nationwide.
Presenting the draft National Building Code, Lead Consultant Arc. Abel T. Onomake explained that the proposed legislation contains comprehensive provisions covering legal requirements, administrative procedures, enforcement mechanisms and technical standards for building construction and public safety.
He said the Code has been specifically designed to address Sierra Leone’s environmental and development challenges while introducing modern standards that promote resilience, structural safety and sustainable urban growth.
Among the key reforms proposed are tighter regulations on hillside developments, enhanced building safety standards, mandatory building setbacks, strengthened fire safety requirements, improved accessibility standards and better coordination among institutions responsible for planning, environmental protection, public utilities and public safety.
Arc. Abel T. Onomake added that the technical team conducted extensive field assessments across Freetown, including inspections of coastal communities, rivers, streams, drainage systems and hillside settlements. The consultants also reviewed existing planning legislation and engaged relevant institutions to ensure the proposed Code effectively addresses current and emerging development challenges.
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning stated that once finalized and enacted, the National Building Code is expected to significantly strengthen Sierra Leone’s planning framework, enhance public safety, protect the environment and promote more resilient, sustainable and orderly national development.
