By: Yusuf Ibrahim Kamara (The Wise Thinker)
The Government of Sierra Leone has intensified efforts to restore order to the country’s physical development landscape as the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning begins the full enforcement of the National Country Planning Act, 2025. The move is expected to reshape how construction and land development are undertaken across the country by making compliance with planning regulations mandatory.
The enforcement campaign follows growing concerns over the proliferation of unauthorized buildings, encroachment on environmentally sensitive areas, and unregulated urban expansion. Authorities say the new approach is intended to promote orderly development, enhance public safety, and ensure that all construction projects conform to approved planning standards.
Leading the initiative, Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senessie, emphasized that every developer, contractor, landowner, and member of the public must obtain the appropriate planning permission and approved building plans before beginning any form of physical development.
He noted that the Ministry would not act alone in enforcing the law, disclosing that the Sierra Leone Police, other security agencies, and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been engaged to support the nationwide operation. According to him, anyone found violating the provisions of the Act will face the full force of the law, including arrest and prosecution.
Under Section 87 of the National Country Planning Act, 2025 (Act No. 13), it is unlawful to construct houses, fences, warehouses, shops, stores, extensions, or any other form of development without first securing planning approval. The legislation prescribes severe penalties for offenders, including a minimum fine of NLe120,000, imprisonment for not less than two years, or both.
The Ministry also announced that an extensive public sensitization campaign will be rolled out through radio, television, newspapers, and social media to educate citizens on the requirements of the law and the importance of complying with planning procedures before undertaking construction.
Officials believe that stricter enforcement of the Act will significantly reduce illegal construction, preserve environmentally protected zones, improve urban planning, and encourage sustainable development throughout Sierra Leone.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment, Dr. Senessie assured the public that enforcement would be impartial, transparent, and consistent. He urged citizens to cooperate with the authorities by obtaining the required approvals before commencing any development, stressing that compliance with the law is essential to building safer, more organized, and sustainable communities across the nation.