In a recent nationwide stakeholders consultation and validation of the reviewed draft of the Country Planning Act in Sierra Leone, significant attention was drawn to the importance of efficient land utilization and urban development for national progress.
The consultation held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at the Port Loko District Council Hall, saw the gathering of key government officials and local leaders.
Among the distinguished guests were Dr. Turad Senesie, Minister of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning; Mr. Tamba Lamina, Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs; Umaru Bond Wurie, Resident Minister North; Deputy Mayor, Port Loko City; Hon. Quinton Sallia, Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Land; the District Council Chairman, and the Senior District Officer (SDO), who chaired the event.
During the consultation, Dr Turad Senesie emphasized the crucial link between land utilization, poverty alleviation, and national development. He highlighted that every piece of land in Sierra Leone belongs to the State, with Paramount Chiefs and land-owning families as custodians of provincial land on behalf of the state.
The Minister pledged to enact modern governance policies and devolve building and development control functions to local councils, empowering them to play a more active role in city and town planning.
Furthermore, Dr. Senesie underscored the need for comprehensive urban re-development initiatives, including the introduction of development control mechanisms. He proposed re-modelling cities and towns with features like water fountains, green spaces, recreational parks, planned communities, and zoos, to enhance the urban landscape and mitigate noise pollution.
The Minister also stressed the importance of zoning for essential facilities such as hospitals, places of worship, markets, and cemeteries in well-planned locations.
To support these initiatives, Dr. Senesie proposed funding mechanisms through property taxes, including levies on unoccupied land and building permits, alongside fines for non-compliance. He expressed willingness to cede some ministerial authority in favour of empowering local councils to ensure better-planned communities and sustainable urban growth.
The consultation session concluded with a collective call to action for stakeholders to work together towards implementing modern laws, restructuring urban spaces, and fostering inclusive development across Sierra Leone. The commitment to effective land management and urban planning remains central to the country’s efforts to address poverty, promote economic growth, and create vibrant, sustainable communities.
