By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Government of Sierra Leone has handed over land title documents to eleven project affected persons whose properties were impacted during the construction of the Angola Town water supply system.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in Freetown, marks a key step in the resettlement and compensation process tied to the project. The initiative forms part of efforts to improve access to safe water across the capital and surrounding communities.
Welcoming stakeholders, Permanent Secretary Alie Bakarr Conteh described the event as a reflection of government’s commitment to fair treatment of citizens affected by development projects. He noted that compensation and resettlement remain central to responsible infrastructure delivery.
The Angola Town water supply system was implemented by Guma Valley Water Company under the broader Freetown water and environmental improvement programme. Officials say the project was designed to respond to increasing demand for water as the city’s population continues to grow.
Providing an overview, Managing Director Mariwan Kallon said the expansion became necessary as existing infrastructure struggles to meet demand. He explained that the Guma Dam, originally built to serve about half a million people, now supports a population of nearly two million.
According to him, the new system is expected to deliver safe and reliable water to more than seventy thousand residents in communities such as Angola Town, Adonkia, Ogoo Farm, Lakka and Hamilton. He added that while such projects may disrupt lives during implementation, steps have been taken to ensure fairness.
Kallon stated that affected individuals have now received legitimate land titles, enabling them to regain ownership and security after losing property to the project.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Musa Turay expressed appreciation to the government and implementing agencies for reaching what he described as a meaningful stage in the process. He acknowledged the progress made but called for swift action to support remaining affected persons who are yet to receive land.
He also appealed for assurances that those relocated to Mile 6 would not face further displacement in the future.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Hannah Isatta Sao Kpato Macarthy stressed that land matters must be handled with care and respect. She described land as a valuable asset and said government remains committed to protecting the rights of citizens during development.
The minister explained that relocation efforts were guided by principles of human rights and environmental protection, particularly safeguarding water catchment areas that supply the capital. She noted that the Western Area Peninsula remains a critical source of water for Freetown.
She assured beneficiaries that government will resolve all outstanding cases and provide land to every affected person. According to her, the remaining beneficiaries will receive their documents once processing is completed.
She also expressed confidence that areas such as Mile 6 will gain value as urban expansion continues.
The event was attended by senior officials, including Alpha Kallon and other representatives from the ministry and the water company.
The handover highlights ongoing efforts to balance infrastructure development with fairness, as authorities work to expand water access while protecting the rights of affected communities.
