By: Saidu Jalloh
In a significant step towards reclamation and protecting government reservation lands, the Minister of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, announced plans to address encroachments on the Magburaka reservation land during a stakeholders meeting held on September 24, 2024.
The meeting, which saw participation from key local figures, including host Paramount Chief, police LUC, council authorities, and land users, aimed to discuss the future of the 851 acres of land subject to unauthorized occupation.
Following the successful reclamation of the Bo and Kenema airfields, the minister highlighted the government’s commitment to restoring land integrity across the country.
Director of Surveys and Land, Tamba S. Dauda, confirmed that the government has settled backlog lease rents and compensated “land-owning families,” paving the way for the current initiative.
The minister outlined two potential courses of action to address the situation, noting that only 335 acres of the original reservation land remain encroached free. The first option requires all encroachers to vacate the land, with the potential for demolition of properties and legal action against non-compliant individuals. The second option considers the possibility of regularizing the ownership for encroachers, contingent upon the payment of fines and ownership for the occupied plots. The funds generated from this process would be used to acquire additional unoccupied township land for government development.
To facilitate this process, a multi-stakeholder committee has been established to evaluate the options and implement necessary actions.
The police LUC has been tasked with ensuring that all activities on the land are halted until a final decision is reached.
The minister’s proactive approach underscores the government’s dedication to reclaiming land for public development and upholding the rule of law regarding land ownership.
Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the ongoing discussions to further the cause of responsible land management and community development in Magburaka.
