Land Ministry Concludes National Workshop on Urban Planning Reform
By Sorie Sesay
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning has ended a two-day national sensitization workshop aimed at strengthening urban planning and development control across the country.
The workshop, held from March 31 to April 1 at Family Kingdom Hotel, brought together local councils and key stakeholders to address longstanding challenges in managing urban growth.
Director of Country Planning Sahr Mark Kanawa said the initiative was prompted by persistent difficulties in enforcing planning regulations and ensuring orderly development.
“We have faced serious challenges over the years in planning our urban spaces effectively,” Kanawa said, noting that the forum created an opportunity for councils to contribute ideas toward improving the system.
He said a central objective of the workshop was to deepen understanding of the role proper planning plays in national development, particularly in reducing risks linked to unregulated construction.
Kanawa disclosed that the Ministry is reviewing outdated planning laws, which he said have failed to address emerging urban challenges. He highlighted widespread practices such as building in unsafe locations, encroaching on roadways, and deforestation, warning that these contribute to flooding and landslides.
The workshop also focused on the implementation of the National Country Planning Act of 2025, which introduces new regulatory frameworks to guide development nationwide.
Under the new approach, councils including the Freetown City Council will take on expanded responsibilities, including developing local zoning plans and managing construction within their jurisdictions.
Kanawa said decentralising planning functions would improve oversight and reduce unplanned development.
“Once proper plans are in place, it becomes easier to control how and where people build,” he said.
He further noted improvements in the Ministry’s operational capacity, citing support from the World Bank, which has provided vehicles and motorbikes to enhance field operations.
The new law also introduces a revenue-sharing model from planning-related fees and fines. According to Kanawa, 50 percent of the revenue will go to local councils to support logistics and enforcement, while 10 percent will be allocated to the Ministry.
Officials say the reforms are expected to strengthen urban governance and promote more sustainable development as Sierra Leone’s cities continue to expand.
