By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu Bo City
To curb the alarming rate of unauthorized construction activities on wetlands across Bo Municipality, the Bo City Council convened a critical stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, 3rd October 2024. The gathering aimed to forge a unified front and develop sustainable strategies to protect these vital ecosystems.
The meeting brought together representatives from key entities, including landholding families, the Ministry of Land, Housing, and Country Planning, the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), and the Regional Police Commander South, A.I.G Brima Kanneh. Other participants included the media, the Traders’ Union, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The forum underscored the shared responsibility of safeguarding the municipality’s wetlands from encroachment and environmental degradation.
During the meeting, the Bo City Mayor highlighted the critical role of wetlands in flood control, groundwater replenishment, and biodiversity conservation. He emphasized that continued encroachment and indiscriminate construction pose severe risks to the environment and the long-term safety and well-being of the community.
“Wetlands are nature’s defense against floods and environmental hazards. By constructing these fragile ecosystems, we are endangering ourselves and future generations. We must take action before irreversible damage is done,” the Mayor stated.
Evidence-Based Discussions and Strategic Planning.
Stakeholders presented compelling evidence detailing the detrimental effects of ongoing construction activities on the wetlands. Data indicated that these activities disrupt the natural flow of water, leading to increased flooding and loss of biodiversity. As a result, the consensus was that urgent action is necessary to mitigate these risks.
The discussions were structured and outcome-oriented, focusing on finding practical solutions to halt further destruction of wetland areas. Several action plans were proposed, and the following resolutions, including intensive public awareness and media engagement, were unanimously adopted.
In collaboration with the Paramount Chief of Kakua Chiefdom and other stakeholders, the Council would launch an intensive media campaign to sensitize the public to the importance of wetlands and the consequences of unplanned construction.
The Council introduces a stringent building registration permit process to regulate all future construction activities. This process will require thorough assessments to ensure that approved construction aligns with environmental safety standards.
A massive demolition exercise will commence this month to remove all unauthorized structures built on wetlands. In partnership with the Ministry of Lands and other enforcement agencies, this initiative aims to restore the wetlands to their natural state.
The stakeholders’ meeting concluded positively, with all parties pledging their commitment to working together to protect Bo’s wetlands. It was agreed that further engagements would be held to monitor progress and ensure that the strategies implemented are effective in curbing illegal construction activities.
The Bo City Council’s proactive approach reflects a broader commitment to sustainable urban planning and environmental stewardship. As the municipality continues to grapple with urbanization’s challenges, this collaborative effort to safeguard wetlands is a step towards a greener, healthier, and more resilient Bo City.
“This is not just about protecting the environment; it is about securing the future of Bo Municipality. Together, we can achieve sustainable development and create a legacy of environmental consciousness for generations,” concluded the Mayor.
The successful outcome of the stakeholders’ meeting is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing complex environmental issues. With the implementation of these measures, Bo City is poised to set a precedent in environmental conservation and sustainable urban development.
