The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has clarified that the recent demolition of illegal structures within the Western Area National Park is part of an ongoing effort to safeguard the integrity of Sierra Leone’s protected lands and tourism development zones.

The Ministry emphasized that these actions are not connected to the World Bank-funded Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), despite reports in some media outlets. The SLEDP, which includes the Tacugama Innovation Centre, adheres to World Bank environmental and social safeguards, ensuring no resettlement or adverse economic impacts on communities.

This government-led demolition exercise aligns with the National Climate Change Policy (2021) and Climate Action Plan, prioritizing environmental protection in response to recent landslides and flooding in Freetown.

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The Ministry acknowledges concerns raised and encourages affected parties to submit complaints through the following channels:

  • The Senior Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, 28B King Harman Road, Freetown.
  • The Ag. Professional Head and Director of Surveys and Lands, 3rd Floor Youyi Building, Brookfields, Freetown.

The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation and will continue to work with communities to promote environmental education initiatives.