NPAA Issues Strong Warning Over Renewed Construction at Aberdeen Creek
Sahid Bangura The National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) has ordered an immediate halt to all ongoing construction and development activities at Aberdeen Creek, warning land claimants, developers, occupants, contractors, suppliers and others involved in the works to stop or face enforcement action.
The directive was contained in a notice issued by the Authority on 28 September 2026, following reports of renewed activities at the Creek after structures were demolished there in August.
According to NPAA, fresh timber structures, corrugated sheet works, bags of fill and stacked tyres have recently been observed along the edge of the Creek. The Authority said the developments constitute a renewed threat to the protected wetland and require immediate intervention.
NPAA has directed all persons involved to cease dumping soil, sand, rubble, waste, bags or tyres, raising the ground, erecting, repairing or occupying structures, cutting mangroves and undertaking any other development activity at the Creek.
The Authority has also ordered the withdrawal of workers, equipment, vehicles and deliveries from the area. Those affected have been warned against returning to resume work or removing fill in ways that could worsen drainage conditions or create additional safety risks.
As part of the directive, NPAA has given all land claimants, developers, occupants, suppliers, contractors and persons directing or financing works at Aberdeen Creek 48 hours to submit any claimed allocation, title, lease or permit, together with their names and plot locations, to the NPAA Headquarters at 55 Sir Samuel Lewis Road, Aberdeen, Freetown.
The Authority said continued filling and construction at the Creek could have serious environmental and public-safety consequences. It warned that reducing the space available for tidal water could increase flooding risks for nearby homes, roads and businesses, while loose fill, bags and tyres could shift during heavy rainfall and high tides.
NPAA also highlighted the importance of mangroves in protecting communities from erosion and tidal surges, warning that their removal could weaken natural protection and damage fish habitats.
The Authority cited provisions of the National Protected Area Authority and Conservation Trust Fund Act 2022 (No. 31 of 2023) as the legal basis for its intervention. It said Section 12(2) places the Sierra Leone River Estuary under NPAA supervision, while Section 12(3)(n) provides for necessary action, including demolition, to prevent construction or development in protected areas and wetlands.
NPAA further referred to Sections 12(3)(a), (m) and (o), which cover ecosystem protection, wetland management and enforcement, as well as Section 30(3), which prohibits activities contrary to protected-area objectives. Section 32 provides for penalties upon conviction.
The Authority said it will document renewed filling and construction, identify those responsible, remove unlawful works and refer cases for prosecution where necessary. It also said it will pursue appropriate restoration and other lawful remedies.
NPAA ended the notice with a firm warning to those involved in the renewed activities: “A demolished structure must not be rebuilt; stop work now or face the consequences.”