By: Saidu Jalloh
In a recent meeting at the ongoing World Urban Forum-12 in Cairo, the Senior Human Settlements Officer and Head of the West Africa Sub-Regional Hub of UN-Habitat, Mathias Spalieviero, has opened doors for collaboration to enhance land and urban reforms in Sierra Leone. Saiid Conteh, UN-Habitat Focal Person for Sierra Leone successfully coordinated this crucial engagement.
The meeting highlighted the urgent need for project financing to support capacity-building in various sectors, addressing housing challenges, strengthening good land governance, and promoting sustainable urban development.
During the meeting, Mrs. Phylis Kormoh (Kapu), the Deputy Minister of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, re-echoed President Bio’s vision at the UN Summit, emphasizing the importance of institutionalizing the gains made in the land sector. The government’s speedy move to draft a new Country Planning Act 2024 and other legislative reforms aimed to promote inclusive and climate-resilient urban development, enhance land tenure security, promote equitable access to land, and improve land administration.
Dr. Alphajoh Cham, the Project Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Land Administration Project (SLLAP), outlined significant legislative reforms and innovative technological initiatives already undertaken by the government. These include the enactment of the Customary Land Rights Act 2022, the National Land Commission Act 2022, establishing the National Land Commission as part of the institutional reform, the development of a new Land Registration Act, and the development of a Land Management Information System (LMIS) for the registration of title.
Sierra Leone has also embarked on legislative reforms and project initiatives to improve the built urban environment. Collaboration with UN-Habitat has been instrumental in developing the Sierra Leone Habitat III Report, formulating the National Urban Policy, and supporting urban development projects such as Urban Agriculture and Waste Wise City Study.
There is a critical need for continued collaboration with UN-Habitat to sustain and expand on the progress made in land and urban reforms. Initiatives such as drafting a new Country Planning Act, preparing Master Spatial Plans for cities, and exploring resource mobilization for capacity building are crucial for achieving sustainable and inclusive development in Sierra Leone.
The partnership between Sierra Leone and UN-Habitat holds great promise in advancing land governance, urban development, and sustainable growth in the country. By working together to implement legislative reforms, strengthen institutional capacities, and promote inclusive urban planning, Sierra Leone is poised to create a more resilient and prosperous future for its citizens.
