By Amara Kargbo
The Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, tasked with ensuring sustainable land administration and equitable access to land tenure, has implored the Ministry of Finance to allocate 30% of budgetary funds from revenue generated through building permits, land surveys, and other transactions to support essential activities that will benefit the nation.
The Ministry has consistently exceeded its revenue generation targets, playing a vital role in contributing to the government’s coffers. When he took over as a Principal Accountant Moinina V.J.L. Kopoi, the ministry raised approximately three billion Leones in 2021, which remarkably increased to 21 billion Leones in 2022. This year, the ministry presented a budget proposal requesting a 30% budgetary allocation to enable it to further enhance its operations and revenue generation capacity.
“The 30% allocation we requested has not been granted in the past. However, we reiterate our request this year to support the ministry’s efforts in generating substantial revenue for the government and improving its services,” stated Kopoi during the budget presentation at the ministry’s conference room in Freetown.
He highlighted the ministry’s achievements, including the generation of approximately eight billion Leones in 2023 from various land-related fees. In 2024, the ministry projects to generate over 14 billion Leones.
Kopoi emphasized the need for collaboration with the Ministry of Finance to establish mechanisms for effective revenue management. He expressed confidence that the Ministry, previously not considered a priority revenue generator, can become a significant source of funding for the government.
“We are undertaking significant reforms, including digitization, to enhance transparency, reduce risks, and ensure that all land users contribute their fair share through electronic payments,” he explained.
One of the challenges faced by the ministry is the lack of synergy with other entities regarding land interests. To address this, the ministry has initiated a review of relevant laws to resolve conflicts and ensure legal consistency.
Abu Bakarr Jalloh, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, emphasized that the ministry holds the legal mandate for issuing building permits. Any potential transfer of this authority to local councils remains a matter of government decision.
A representative from the Fiscal Decentralization Department of the Ministry of Finance acknowledged the Ministry’s persistent request for the 30% budget allocation. They emphasized that the ministry’s ongoing reforms and capacity challenges require considerable budgetary support.
The Ministry faces constraints in logistical support, including vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure, as well as capacity issues related to staff strength and quality. Additionally, the ministry has accumulated a substantial backlog of land transactions and public complaints that require urgent attention.
The ministry’s enhanced budgetary allocation will enable it to strengthen its land management capabilities, reduce transaction delays, and improve its ability to generate revenue for the government. By investing in sustainable land administration, the Ministry of Lands, and Country Planning will contribute to the nation’s economic growth and social stability.