By Emma Black

Security authorities on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, launched a coordinated operation to demolish illegal structures erected along the Guma Valley main water pipeline at Mambo in the Freetown Peninsula, as part of efforts to curb land grabbing and protect critical national infrastructure.

The operation was led by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) and Regional Commander for Freetown West, Sylvester M. N. Koroma, and involved a joint task force comprising the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Office of National Security (ONS), the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), alongside engineers from the Guma Valley Water Company and members of the media.

Authorities said the demolished buildings were unauthorised residential structures constructed directly on top of the main water transmission pipeline, a practice linked to growing land grabbing activities in protected zones around the Peninsula. Engineers on site warned that the encroachment had weakened the pipeline, causing frequent leakages and repeated disruptions to water supply in several parts of Freetown.

A technical assessment classified the situation as a serious threat to public safety and water security, prompting immediate action to remove the structures and restore the integrity of the pipeline.

Under the supervision of AIG Koroma, security personnel secured the area, controlled movement, and ensured the safety of engineers and demolition teams. The operation was carried out without incident.

Speaking during the exercise, AIG Koroma said the action was not only about demolition but also about addressing the growing problem of land grabbing, particularly in environmentally sensitive and utility-protected areas.

The unchecked construction of illegal structures on protected land puts lives at risk and undermines essential services such as water supply, he said, the Sierra Leone Police will continue to support lawful efforts to reclaim and protect critical infrastructure for the benefit of the public.”

Officials from partner agencies echoed concerns that land grabbing along the Peninsula has escalated in recent years, often involving the sale of protected land to unsuspecting citizens. They warned that such activities contribute to environmental degradation, water shortages, and disaster risks.

The successful operation has restored access to the Guma Valley pipeline and sent a strong message about the government’s commitment to enforcing land-use regulations, protecting public utilities, and safeguarding Freetown’s water supply.

Authorities say similar operations will continue as part of broader efforts to tackle land grabbing and preserve critical infrastructure across the capital.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 19th January 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)