Mr. Leslie Ohomele, Associate Director of the King’s Foundation and His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada BioHis Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio welcomed Mr. Leslie Ohomele, Associate Director of the King’s Foundation based in the United Kingdom, for a courtesy visit at the State House. This meeting marks a pivotal step in the ongoing collaboration between the Sierra Leonean government and the King’s Foundation, following President Bio’s earlier engagement with the organization during his trip to Scotland. During the visit, Press Secretary Yusuf Keketorma Sandi Esq. outlined the purpose of the meeting, emphasizing that it was a continuation of President Bio’s commitment to supporting the King’s Foundation’s initiatives within the country. Mr. Ohomele expressed his appreciation for the warm reception he received from President Bio and outlined the strategic objectives of his visit. A primary focus of his mission is to conduct an in-person evaluation of the Rapid Planning Toolkit project in Bo City, as well as to discuss the proposed expansion of this toolkit to other provincial cities across Sierra Leone. In addition to evaluating the toolkit, Mr Ohomele indicated that he would engage in discussions with relevant stakeholders to establish strategic partnerships aimed at delivering the Sustainable Urbanization & Development training program, which has been specifically designed by the King’s Foundation. He assured President Bio of the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to supporting the government’s vision for sustainable urban development. Madam Haja Halimah Lukay, the Development and Planning Officer representing Bo City Council, also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of cities as vital assets that require collective efforts and stakeholder engagement to ensure their sustainability. She highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Bo City Council and the King’s Foundation in developing a Comprehensive Rapid Planning Toolkit, which is intended to guide urban planning and promote sustainable urbanization in the region. Madam Lukay noted that the implementation of this toolkit has already led to significant improvements in service delivery, enhancing access to essential facilities, utilities, and recreational spaces for the residents of Bo.
She proposed that, following a successful rollout in Bo, the toolkit should be expanded to other municipalities to effectively tackle challenges related to climate change and urban development. The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ambassador Tamba Lamina, also expressed his strong support for the initiative. He underscored the importance of long-term planning in all cities and localities, which includes defining council boundaries and structuring community and private property developments. Ambassador Lamina conveyed his optimism about the potential to scale the initiative nationwide, using Bo City as a benchmark for best practices in urban planning. President Julius Maada Bio reiterated his commitment to sustainable urban planning and development, acknowledging that Mr Ohomele’s visit and the engagement with the King’s Foundation are rooted in discussions held in Scotland and prior consultations with key stakeholders in Bo City. He stressed the urgency of developing a national urban master plan to strategically guide the placement of utilities and infrastructure, especially in light of the rapid urban expansion occurring throughout Sierra Leone. The President called for an inclusive approach to urban planning, emphasizing the necessity of involving landowners, local councils, civil society organizations, the media, and citizens in the planning and implementation of sustainable urban initiatives. “The rapid pace of urbanization requires immediate attention. We must embark on this journey with our people to create cities that are well-organized, sustainable, and harmonious with our natural environment,” President Bio asserted. He concluded by reaffirming his belief that Bo City could serve as a model for effective urban planning, showcasing the potential for structured initiatives before scaling them on a national level. This collaborative effort between the government and the King’s Foundation aims to foster sustainable urban development, addressing the pressing challenges of urbanization in Sierra Leone.
