Chief Minister Leads Assessment on Western Area Peninsula Redemarcation

By: Saidu Jalloh

Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh recently led an inter-ministerial assessment focused on the redemarcation of the Western Area Peninsula. The assessment brought together key ministries and agencies to discuss and inspect ways of balancing environmental protection with sustainable land use.

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs was represented by its Permanent Secretary, Ms. Judith Jones; the Director of Tourism, Travel, and Exchange, Mohamed Jalloh; and the General Manager of the National Tourist Board, Madam Fatmata Mida Carew, alongside their team.

Other ministries present included the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Lands, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. Representatives from Guma Valley Water Company were also in attendance.

The delegation conducted a site tour to several strategic locations, including Guma, Mile 13, Bio Baray, and Comfort Bridge. It was agreed that existing settlements within the redemarcated areas would remain intact. However, residents would be required to pay charges to the government.

During the site visit, the tourism team identified Comfort Bridge as a promising location for potential tourism development.

The assessment also reaffirmed the government’s policy of prohibiting new settlements within park areas. This is in line with efforts to protect the environment, preserve natural resources, and safeguard local communities.

This initiative represents a significant step forward in the government’s ongoing commitment to environmental preservation and responsible land management in the Western Area Peninsula.