SLURC Leads Bold Initiative for Lungi’s Future at Strategic Stakeholder Workshop

Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC)
Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC)

By Millicent Senava Mannah

In a step geared towards shaping the future of Lungi, the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC), a globally connected research institution with a stellar reputation in urban planning, in collaboration with A.R.S Progetti S.P.A., and with funding support from the African Development Bank (AFDB) and the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Lands, convened a high-profile Stakeholder Workshop on February 4, 2025. Held at the CCSL Hall on Kingharman Road in Freetown, this milestone event set the stage for the preparation of the Lungi Spatial Development Framework (SDF), a visionary initiative aimed at fostering sustainable urban growth and resilience.

The workshop brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including policymakers, urban planners, local authorities and development partners, to critically examine the current spatial, social, economic and environmental conditions of Lungi and its interplay with Freetown. This collaborative platform sought to gather crucial insights that will inform a strategic framework for inclusive and sustainable urban development.

Dr. Joseph Macarthy, Executive Director of SLURC, underscored the importance of the workshop in laying the groundwork for the Lungi Spatial Development Framework. He explained that the initiative is designed to provide a spatial vision that promotes resilience, inclusivity and sustainability. The data and insights gathered will serve as a bedrock for evidence-based decision-making and strategic planning, ensuring that the development framework is tailored to Lungi’s unique geographical and socio-economic context. He further announced that a follow-up workshop with local stakeholders would be held in Lungi on February 6, 2025, to deepen community engagement and refine the strategic approach.

“The workshop marks a critical milestone in the project, following the recent submission of the Inception Report and the development of a Stakeholder Consultation and Engagement Plan,” Dr. Joseph Macarthy noted, emphasizing that the initiative aligns with the broader national agenda for spatial planning and economic transformation.

He outlined the key objectives of the Lungi SDF Project, which include fostering inclusive urban growth, enhancing infrastructure provision and developing a resilient, gender-responsive and climate-compatible urban economy. Additionally, he detailed the project’s core deliverables, which encompass a Situation Analysis Report, a Spatial Development Framework, a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report and a Stakeholder Consultation Report. These documents, he asserted, will serve as a blueprint for short-, medium-, and long-term investment strategies while strengthening the technical and institutional capacities of local councils and planning entities.

“This workshop underscores our commitment to bridging the gap between the current realities and the desired future for Lungi. Through collaboration and inclusivity, we seek to create a framework that supports sustainable development and improves the quality of life for all residents,” Dr. Joseph Macarthy concluded.

Echoing this sentiment, Sheku Tejan Saccoh, Chairman of the Port Loko District Council, emphasized the necessity of prioritizing agriculture within the development plan. He highlighted the economic potential of Lungi, stressing the need for increased Government presence to stimulate growth. He further advocated for Lungi’s evolution into a secondary city, which he believes would alleviate pressure on Freetown while positioning Sierra Leone more competitively on the global stage.

Similarly, Mohamed Banya, Deputy Director of Country Planning at the Ministry of Lands, commended SLURC for its impactful work, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating on the project and ensuring that its findings translate into actionable policies.

Dr. Alphajoh Cham, Director of Policy, Planning, and Project Development at the Ministry of Lands, also lauded SLURC’s research efforts, affirming the Government’s dedication to national development and ensuring that research-driven insights are fully integrated into policy implementation.

In a demonstration of participatory planning, workshop participants were divided into groups to contribute their perspectives and recommendations for the proposed spatial development framework. The event reached its climax with dynamic presentations from these working groups, showcasing a range of innovative ideas and actionable strategies to drive Lungi’s transformation.

The Stakeholder Workshop represents a decisive step towards reimagining Lungi as a model for sustainable urban development in Sierra Leone. As stakeholders continue to refine the framework, the momentum generated by this initiative signals a promising future, one where Lungi emerges as a well-planned, resilient and thriving urban hub, complementing the growth trajectory of Freetown and beyond.

 

author avatar
The Calabash Newspaper The Calabash Newspaper
The Calabash Newspaper Established in 2017, The Calabash Newspaper serves as a trusted platform for news and general information dissemination, catering to a broad Sierra Leonean audience both at home and abroad through its active presence on social media. The publication is committed to engaging its diverse readership by reporting on topical news events in Sierra Leone, enriched with editorials and insightful commentaries on pressing issues of the day. In addition to local news, The Calabash Newspaper expands its scope to include topics of continental interest, drawing from various international publications that address political, economic, and social developments across Africa.
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments