The Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning (MLHCP) has undertaken the demolition of an unauthorized building under construction on property belonging to Limkokwing University of Creative Technology at Hill Station, Freetown. The demolition exercise was carried out on Monday, 23rd September, 2024, following an investigation by the Ministry, which confirmed that the land in question was part of the University’s premises.
Ing. Musa Lucious Koroma, Assistant Director of Country Planning, informed SLENA that the individual responsible for the construction had encroached on the University’s land and built on a right-of-way. The Ministry had summoned the individual for a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Lands in the presence of Limkokwing University officials, where he was warned about his illegal occupation and notified that the Ministry would demolish the structure if construction continued.
Limkokwing University’s Campus Director, Agnes Mugo, stated that the University had previously engaged the individual, identified as Chester Alicious Stevens, Head of Immigration at Queen Elizabeth II Quay, requesting him to halt the construction. However, he refused to comply. Mugo explained that the land in question was allocated to the University by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and that the unauthorized building infringed on the campus grounds.
In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education on 2nd September 2024, Mugo highlighted the seriousness of the situation:
“The ongoing construction is unauthorized and is causing damage to campus infrastructure. It is compromising the integrity of the perimeter fence and obstructing the main student entrance gate, severely affecting access to the campus.”
The University also appealed to the Ministry of Lands to intervene, emphasizing the urgency of the matter in another letter:
“Given the gravity of the situation and unsuccessful prior efforts, we respectfully request your immediate intervention to halt the construction and protect University property, community, and safety.”
Following the Ministry’s investigation and warning, the demolition was executed as planned. Despite several attempts by SLENA to reach Chester Alicious Stevens for comment, he has been unavailable for response.
The Ministry of Lands reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public land and maintaining compliance with land use regulations, particularly in cases where unauthorized development poses risks to community safety and institutional property.
Credit: Musa Kamara, SLENA
