By: Audrey Raymonda John
The Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams, has presided over the official public disclosure workshops for the Draft Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) reports in Bombali, Kenema, and the Western Area Urban. These disclosures are part of the proposed upgrades to the Kenema and Makeni Central Markets and neighborhood improvements in Coconut Farm, Moyiba, and Portee/Rokupa communities identified as being vulnerable to natural disasters.
These engagements are under the Resilient Urban Sierra Leone Project (RUSLP), a flagship initiative aligned with the Government of Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2023–2030. The project aims to reduce disaster risks, improve urban infrastructure and services, and enhance the resilience of vulnerable urban settlements.
In his keynote address at the workshops held in Makeni and Freetown, Rev. Dr. Titus-Williams emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that affected persons are treated equitably and benefit meaningfully from these transformative initiatives. He praised the World Bank’s support and urged local councils to manage the project with integrity, especially during the allocation of new market spaces.
“This process is not just about relocation it is about inclusive development. Through the 2022 Resettlement Act and related policies, our government is committed to ensuring that no citizen is left worse off by development projects,” he stated.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the importance of stakeholder collaboration in delivering sustainable outcomes. He noted that resettlement efforts must support the long-term socio-economic development of affected communities and promote small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are essential for national growth.
He also encouraged community members to understand their rights, the available compensation mechanisms, and the need to safeguard public infrastructure being developed for their benefit.
The draft Resettlement Action Plans, which are currently under review by the Environment Protection Agency of Sierra Leone (EPASL), are being shared with the affected communities to gather feedback. This ensures that the voices of those impacted are reflected in the final versions, in line with the mandate of MoPED’s National Development Induced Resettlement Directorate (NDIRD).
At the workshops in all three locations, Maada Ngombu, Director of Field Operations at NaCSA, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to poverty reduction through community-driven development and called for community cooperation to ensure successful implementation.
Michael S. Vandi, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, appealed to local councils to foster a supportive environment and collaborate closely with project teams.
Madam Patricia, Communications Lead for RUSLP, outlined the detailed process behind the development of the RAPs and acknowledged the critical roles played by local councils, MoPED, and the World Bank in advancing the project to its current stage.
In Kenema, Mr. Usman Cherry Conteh, Deputy Development Secretary at MoPED, emphasized the importance of continuous engagement with beneficiaries. He highlighted the NDIR Directorate’s role in ensuring legal compliance and protecting the rights of affected individuals.
Local leaders also welcomed the initiative. Representing the Paramount Chief in Kenema, Bob Abdulai pledged full community support for the project. Paramount Chief Massayelitham III of Gbanti Chiefdom, Bombali District, and Chief Administrator Daniel Kpukumu both stressed that the needs of beneficiaries must remain a top priority.
Councillor Marrah of the Freetown City Council underscored the importance of transparency and inclusivity throughout the project’s implementation.
During the Q&A session, Issa M’Briwa, Assistant Director and Coordinator of the NDIR Directorate at MoPED, clarified the Directorate’s oversight role in resettlement efforts nationwide. He assured attendees that the government is fully committed to protecting the rights and livelihoods of Project-Affected Persons (PAPs), with livelihood restoration plans aimed at improving their socio-economic status.
“Resettlement is not just about moving people it’s about restoring and improving lives,” he affirmed.
He concluded the session by asking beneficiaries to confirm their acceptance of the resettlement process by raising their hands.
The RUSLP employs a catchment-based, participatory approach to integrated flood risk reduction and community development. These urban upgrades are crucial for creating livable, safe, and economically vibrant communities.
As consultations on the draft RAPs conclude, MoPED and its partners will incorporate feedback from stakeholders and finalize the plans ensuring the success of one of Sierra Leone’s most ambitious urban resilience efforts.