By Ibrahim Sesay
In a move aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s housing sector, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, has toured the TAF Salone Micro City project, which is under construction at John Obey on the outskirts of Freetown. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Gambian real estate investor, Mustapha Njie, seeks to transform the country’s housing landscape with a focus on affordability and sustainability.
The TAF Salone Micro City will feature a range of residential units, including two-bedroom bungalows and apartments, three-bedroom villas and four-bedroom storey buildings. The starting price for the most affordable unit is set at $56,650, marking a significant step toward accessible housing for Sierra Leoneans.
During his visit, Dr. Turad Senesie reaffirmed the Government’s support for private sector investments aligned with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for tackling Sierra Leone’s housing challenges. He lauded the dedication of TAF Salone and its partners, especially for maintaining progress amid the political uncertainties faced last November.
“This is the project of His Excellency the President. My role is to provide support on his behalf to the private sector. On behalf of the Government, I want to thank TAF Salone and its team for their commitment to developing the housing sector in Sierra Leone,” Dr. Turad Senesie stated. He also urged Sierra Leoneans to play an active role in addressing the nation’s housing challenges.
Mustapha Njie, Managing Director of TAF Salone, shared insights into his journey of investing in Sierra Leone. He revealed that he had faced significant skepticism from others regarding the feasibility of the project but credited Minister Turad Senesie’s support as instrumental in driving the initiative forward.
“If I had listened to people, I wouldn’t have invested in Sierra Leone. A very high percentage of those I spoke to were negative about my coming here. However, after meeting with the minister, I was convinced this project could work and we have made significant progress since then,” Mustapha Njie disclosed.
The project’s commitment to environmental preservation was also highlighted, with plans to plant over 5,000 fruit and ornamental trees across the development site, enhancing its ecological value.
Nuwoma Rogers, Sales and Marketing Manager of TAF Salone, emphasized the project’s role in addressing key issues within Sierra Leone’s housing sector, such as land disputes and poor construction standards.
“This project eliminates the middleman, ensuring buyers get value for their money. We are constructing 1,000 houses at John Obey as part of a broader plan to build 5,000 homes across the country,” Nuwoma Rogers explained.
The initiative has also drawn the support of financial institutions. Sebastian Ashong-Katai, Managing Director of EcoBank Sierra Leone, described the project as a model for African investment in Africa’s development.
“Our duty is to support businesses like TAF Salone by facilitating transactions and enabling them to engage with the investment community. We are committed to standing by this project as it contributes to Sierra Leone’s development,” Sebastian Ashong-Katai affirmed.
The TAF Salone Micro City project is part of TAF Africa Global Limited, a Pan-African real estate development company operating in nine African countries, with a strong presence in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. The project’s objective is to provide quality, affordable housing solutions while promoting sustainable development practices. The initiative is set to contribute significantly to reducing Sierra Leone’s housing deficit and enhancing living standards for its citizens.
