By Kadiatu A. Turay

In a startling revelation, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, Tamba Dauda, has highlighted a critical issue plaguing Freetown’s urban development most houses in the capital city lack proper building permits. Speaking at a recent forum addressing urban planning and sustainable development, Minister Dauda underscored the challenges this situation poses to the city’s infrastructure and safety.

According to Dauda, unauthorized construction has become a widespread issue, with many residents bypassing the formal process of obtaining permits before commencing construction. He explained that this has led to the proliferation of poorly planned structures, many of which are vulnerable to environmental hazards such as flooding and landslides. “The situation is worrying, and it jeopardizes not only the safety of occupants but also the overall development and sustainability of the city,” Dauda stated.

The minister attributed this growing problem to a combination of factors, including limited public awareness, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and corruption within the permitting system. He emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of building regulations and greater public education on the importance of adhering to legal construction protocols.

To address the problem, the Ministry of Lands plans to collaborate with local councils and urban planners to streamline the permit approval process, making it more accessible and transparent. Additionally, the government intends to conduct a comprehensive survey to identify unauthorized structures and ensure compliance with national building standards.

Minister Dauda called for a collective effort from citizens, the private sector, and government authorities to tackle the issue and ensure that future development in Freetown adheres to the law. He stressed that sustainable urbanization cannot be achieved if such illegal practices continue unchecked.

With rapid urban expansion in Freetown, experts have long warned about the dangers of unregulated construction, particularly in areas prone to disasters. The Ministry’s renewed focus on building permits is seen as a critical step in improving the city’s resilience and ensuring the safety of its inhabitants.

As the government pushes forward with these reforms, residents are urged to regularize their properties to avoid future legal and safety complications.