Post a comment
Permanent Secretary (PS) at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Jalloh has confirmed to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Parliament that Sierra Leone’s Cabinet approved the demolition of structures at the Lumley-Aberdeen Beach front last year.
Jalloh made this revelation while responding to queries raised by the Auditor General’s 2023 Report on the Ministry’s activities.
Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, Chairman of the PAC and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, raised concerns about the Ministry’s decision to undertake the demolition exercise.
According to Jalloh, the Ministry had informed Cabinet about its findings and intentions before proceeding with the demolitions.
“Cabinet approved the demolition of structures at the Lumley Aberdeen beach fronts.”
He further said the ministry’s decision was informed by several pressing issues, ranging from poor waste management and adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions which he said were primary reasons for the demolitions.
He explained that many structures had dug holes in the beach sand to serve as makeshift toilets, causing significant environmental and health concerns.
“Some of them dug holes in the sand at the beach to deal with their waste.”
He further clarified that property owners were initially informed not to construct permanent structures on the beachfront, as the land belonged to the government and could be reclaimed at any time. Despite this agreement, many went ahead and built solid concrete structures.
Hon. Conteh criticized the Ministry for allowing the construction of these structures in the first place, noting that they obstructed the natural beauty and view of the beach. He argued that granting initial permissions to business owners to erect these buildings had led to the current predicament.
“It was a mistake in the first place to have allowed the construction of those buildings on the beachfront,” Hon. Conteh remarked. “The fishmongers and other activities at One Pole Lumley make the beach unattractive to potential tourists.”
Despite the challenges, Jalloh assured the committee that significant improvements would be made at the beach within the next year.
“In six months to a year from now, you will see massive improvements at the beach,” he promised.
However, a brief contention arose when Hon. Conteh read a document suggesting that Cabinet was merely informed about the demolitions and had not officially approved them. In response, Jalloh presented a counter document confirming Cabinet’s approval, leading Hon. Conteh to declare the matter resolved.
The assurance of upcoming developments beachfront at the sparked has optimism, as stakeholders look forward to a transformed Lumley-Aberdeen Beach that aligns with the Ministry’s vision for tourism and environmental sustainability.
