By Isatu Sankoh
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Hannah Isatta Sao-Kpato Macarthy, has officially handed over land title documents to eleven Project Affected Persons (PAPs) whose properties were impacted during the implementation of the Angola Town Water Supply Project, in a significant step toward completing the resettlement and compensation process.
The ceremony, held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Freetown, marked a key milestone under the Angola Town Water Supply System, implemented by the Guma Valley Water Company as part of the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project (WASHAERP).
Welcoming stakeholders to the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Alie Bakarr Conteh, described the occasion as a clear demonstration of Government’s commitment to responsible infrastructure development and fair treatment of citizens affected by national projects. He emphasized that the handing over of land titles reflects adherence to due process and respect for the rights of affected communities.
Providing an overview of the initiative, the Managing Director of the Guma Valley Water Company, Ing. Mariwan Kallon, explained that the Angola Town Water Supply Project was conceived to address the increasing demand for potable water in the capital.
He noted that the Guma Dam, constructed in the 1960s to serve a population of approximately 500,000 people, is now under significant strain as Freetown’s population has expanded to nearly two million residents. According to him, the new water supply system is designed to ease that pressure and ensure reliable access to safe drinking water.
“The Angola Town Water Supply System will provide consistent and dependable water supply to over 70,000 residents across communities such as Angola Town, Adonkia, Ogoo Farm, Lakka and Hamilton,” Ing. Mariwan Kallon stated.
He further stressed that while development projects may have temporary impacts on individuals and communities, the Government has taken deliberate and responsible steps to ensure that all affected persons are fairly compensated.
“Because we have a responsible Government under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, due diligence has been undertaken to ensure that those affected by the project are properly compensated. Beneficiaries have now received authentic land title documents, enabling them to regain ownership and security,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Project Affected Persons, Musa Turay expressed appreciation to the Government and implementing agencies for what he described as a major achievement in the resettlement process.
“On behalf of all PAPs, I want to thank the Ministry and the Guma Valley Water Company for the efforts made to reach this important stage,” he said.
He, however, appealed for the swift processing of land allocations for the remaining 18 affected individuals and sought assurances that those relocated to Mile 6 would not face future displacement.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Hannah Isatta Sao-Kpato Macarthy underscored the sensitivity of land-related matters, noting that land remains one of the most valuable assets in Sierra Leonean society.
“Anything that has to do with land is very sensitive. As a Government, we recognize the importance of protecting people’s rights and ensuring fairness in all resettlement processes,” she stated.
The Minister explained that the relocation exercise was conducted in line with Government’s commitment to human rights and environmental sustainability, particularly the protection of the Western Area Peninsula National Park, which serves as the primary water catchment area for Freetown.
“The Western Area Peninsula National Park is the main source of water supplied to the capital by Guma. While development may necessitate relocation, it must always be carried out with a human face, ensuring dignity and respect for those affected,” she said.
Dr. Hannah Isatta Sao-Kpato Macarthy assured beneficiaries that Government remains fully committed to resolving all outstanding resettlement concerns.
“Government is determined to ensure that every PAP who lost land will be allocated new land, even if in a different location. Today, we are presenting titles to eleven beneficiaries and the remaining individuals will receive theirs once processing is completed. This Government believes in ‘talk and do,’” she affirmed.
She further reassured beneficiaries that lands allocated at Mile 6 would appreciate in value as urban expansion continues beyond Freetown, offering long-term benefits to relocated families.
The event was attended by several key stakeholders, including the Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Ing. Alpha Kallon; Board Member of the Guma Valley Water Company, Lucretia Sheriff; Deputy Managing Director of the Guma Valley Water Company, Prince Moore-Sourie; as well as senior officials and staff of both the Ministry and the utility company.
The ceremony underscores the Government of Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to expand access to safe and reliable water supply while ensuring that citizens affected by development projects are treated with fairness, transparency and dignity.
