In a televised address on AYV TV, Tamba Dauda, Professional Head of the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, unveiled proactive measures to tackle land management issues in the Western Area.

Mr. Dauda disclosed a startling statistic, indicating that 80% of ongoing construction lacks necessary permits, prompting the Ministry to launch a robust operation to curb unauthorized projects.

Concerns were raised over the rising incidence of land grabbing, leading the Ministry to take a firm stance against encroachment on forest reserves, emphasizing environmental protection.

Introducing the “land raffle” model, the Ministry aims for fairness in land allocation, conducting successful public events since 2021 to democratize access to state land.

Emphasizing accuracy and compliance, the Ministry will reject plans with inaccuracies, streamlining approval processes for timely project implementation.

To enhance efficiency, the Ministry committed to processing private plans within a two-week timeframe, and Mr. Dauda advised the public to verify land-related documents to avoid fraud and legal issues.

The Ministry remains dedicated to responsible land management, property rights protection, and environmental preservation for Sierra Leone’s citizens, urging stakeholders’ active participation in building a sustainable and equitable future.