By Thaimu Thullah
Haj Fawz (Pa Fawaz), a well-known Sierra Leonean-Lebanese businessman, has said that he is handing off ownership of a controversial land parcel purportedly belong to the African Muslim Agency recently tied to a state sale. He says the decision, motivated by love of country and a desire to quell ongoing controversy, comes despite a sizable investment in the land. The development comes as the area’s future uses—incl. mosque restoration and community beautification—remain in the public eye.
The land in question which was reportedly sold by the State through the Ministry of lands, has been the subject of public discussion and criticism.
The parties involved: Haj Fawz (also referred to as Pa Fawaz) is described as a prominent businessman with public projects in Sierra Leone.
Fawaz is on records to have singlehandedly championed and fund the construction of the Kissy Ferry Terminal building, a police building in Lumley, and is currently working on refurbishing, reconstructing and rehabilitating the mosque at the same land spending millions on maintenance work, and building materials.
The decision to hand off the land Fawz’s stated was to show love, patriotism and nationalism as a Lebanese/Sierra Leonean citizen who believe in developing Sierra Leone as his home. He explained that he is relinquishing the land “out of love for the country, patriotism, and nationalism,” aiming to reduce controversy around the parcel. He reportedly emphasized that this step is taken despite having paid a substantial amount in dollars.
The handoff could involve returning ownership, transferring to government custody, or reassigning rights.
It is understood that the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Lands recently had a meeting with Pa Fawaz and assured him of relocating him to another land for the same development. Pa Fawz is also on record to have played a significant role in the government ‘’Feed Salone Agenda’’ which falls under President Bio’s ‘‘Big Five (5) Changer .