The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, has given a fifty-six days ultimatum to holders of the state’s land lease.

According to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, the development followed an observation of lack of payment of lease fees by large number of lease holders.

“It has come to the attention of the ministry of lands, housing and country planning that a large number of people who have acquired leases from government over the years are not paying their lease rents, thereby depriving the country of much needed revenue. Such behavior is unpatriotic and totally unacceptable.” A notice from the Ministry reads.

The Ministry therefore, informed all lease holders from commercial, residential, raffle winners to companies, to pay their outstanding lease fees for the period they are in default with immediate effect.

The Ministry said, such payment must be made from the date of the public notice( 5th March) to 30th April, 2024 as the ministry will embark on a massive termination of leases after the deadline.