By Mahmud Tim Kargbo
On July 1, 2024, the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning in Sierra Leone continue with it significant move towards reclaiming unoccupied lands, particularly in the Kotopema area, through the erection of numerous signposts along the peninsular. This proactive step aligns with the Unoccupied Lands Act, signaling the government’s commitment to efficient land management and proper utilisation of resources for national development.
The erection of these signposts serves as a formal notification to all potential claimants of Kotopema, urging them to substantiate their claims on these lands within a stipulated timeframe. The Ministry has provided a six-month window, starting from the date of the signposts’ installation, for claimants to submit their relevant documents for scrutiny and verification. This process is crucial in ensuring that all land claims are valid, documented, and in compliance with existing regulations and laws.
It is important to emphasize that the placement of signposts is not a final act of reclaiming the land but rather a preliminary step to inform individuals about the upcoming verification process. Claimants are responsible for maintaining the signposts and adhering to the submission deadline to avoid forfeiture of their claims. Failure to submit the required documents within the specified timeframe may result in the land being considered as unclaimed and subject to reclaimation by the government.
For those who will successfully submit their documents, the Ministry of Lands will issue a public notice, which will be gazetted, specifying the designated office for document submission. Claimants are encouraged to ensure that they obtain acknowledgment of receipt from the Ministry to track their submissions and prevent any potential discrepancies in the verification process.
Once the documents are reviewed and verified, the Ministry will notify claimants about the status of their claims, ensuring transparency and accountability in the land reclamation process. Lands with unsubstantiated claims will be resurveyed, registered as state lands, and managed accordingly to prevent illegal occupation or misuse of valuable resources.
This proactive approach by the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning underscores the government’s commitment to upholding land laws, enhancing land tenure security, and promoting sustainable land use practices. By reclaiming unoccupied lands and ensuring proper documentation and verification of claims, Sierra Leone aims to foster responsible land management, prevent land disputes, and support equitable access to land resources for the benefit of all citizens.
As the land reclamation process unfolds in Kotopema and beyond, it is imperative for all stakeholders to cooperate, comply with regulations, and participate actively in the verification exercise to safeguard their land interests and contribute to the sustainable development of Sierra Leone’s land sector. This comprehensive approach to land management reflects the government’s dedication to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in land administration, ultimately paving the way for inclusive and sustainable land development in the country