By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
In a vigorous and bipartisan parliamentary debate, Members of Parliament voiced strong support for the proposed National Planning and Land Use Bill, underscoring the urgent need for deliberate, coordinated development to transform Sierra Leone’s urban and rural landscapes.
Opposition MP Hon. Dr. N’fa Koroma highlighted the country’s rampant urban disorder, pointing to aerial images that reveal sprawling, unregulated settlements, chaotic market layouts, and encroachment into protected areas. “If we are not deliberate about it, it will just remain something on paper,” he warned, calling for thoughtfully planned communities that integrate markets, transport access, and environmental safeguards.
Echoing these concerns, ruling party MP Hon. Usif Mackray praised the bill’s comprehensive scope, including provisions for disaster preparedness, resilience building, and empowering local councils to participate actively in national planning. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Protected Areas Authority.
Opposition Chief Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara of Kambia drew attention to the bill’s financial mechanisms, commending the Ministry of Lands for allocating 50% of revenue directly to local councils to support community services. Defending the Ministry’s 10% share, he stressed its necessity for operational capacity and addressing widespread land disputes. “How can the Ministry function effectively if it cannot even visit the sites it oversees?” he asked.
Hon. Kamara also criticized inadequate public infrastructure, citing makeshift schools operating in divided homes as a symptom of the country’s planning failures. He made an emotional appeal for dignified public spaces that offer children access to recreation, clean water, and proper learning environments.
Deputy Chairman of the Lands Committee, Hon. Benjamin Turay, concluded the debate with a passionate call for swift legislative action. Referencing a recent fire in Gracoh, he lamented how emergency responders were hampered by poor road planning. “This bill is not for us—it is for our children,” he said, highlighting the dangers of placing cemeteries near beaches and urging rapid passage to prevent future tragedies.
While some MPs raised concerns over overlapping mandates and called for improved stakeholder consultation, the debate revealed a rare consensus on the need for structured national development.
With the bill advancing to committee review, parliamentarians pledged to resolve outstanding issues and finalize legislation they believe will preserve vital natural resources, enhance community dignity, and shape Sierra Leone’s future growth.
