By Amie Choi
In a bid to resolve land disputes and double land ownership conflicts, the Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Hon. Hamat NK Bah, his senior management team, on Friday July 5, 2024 met with West Coast Region’s district chiefs and alkalolu, at the Regional Education Office, in Brikama.
Speaking at the meeting, Permanent Secretary II at the Ministry, Mr. Ebrima Sisawo underscored the importance of the meeting. He said is a valued norm for leaders to meet their counterparts when they are appointed at a place to know the existing strengths and shortcomings of the place.
The representative of the chiefs mapped out their challenges. He spoke against the Local Government Act and the Chiefs Tribunal Act, arguing that it limits the functions of the chiefs and the village heads; thus called for a revisit.
He then spoke about issues like boundary security, stagnant salary of chiefs, mobility problems, as well as the problems caused on wildlife and resources by estate agencies.
Honorable Minister Hamat NK. Bah expressed gratitude and stressed on the significance of such platforms. He said it gives authorities the opportunity to talk about their problems and expectations, which, he said need a collaborative approach to be solved. He also expressed his dissatisfaction on some of the charges to the communities by village heads, calling for it to be put to an end.
The Minister assured that the Ministry will continue its engagements with all other relevant stakeholders to address land mismanagement and promote good land administration.
“The Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs is committed to ensuring participatory decision making in solving matters of national concern”.
