The Government of Sierra Leone has taken a significant step in addressing resettlement concerns arising from the Angola Town Water Supply Project, with the official presentation of land title documents to eleven affected individuals.
The presentation ceremony, held at the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in Freetown, was led by the Minister, Hannah Isatta Sao-Kpato Macarthy. The beneficiaries are among those whose properties were impacted during the execution of the water supply initiative.
Delivering remarks at the event, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alie Bakarr Conteh, described the handover as a clear indication of government’s resolve to ensure fairness and accountability in development-driven displacement. He noted that compensating and resettling affected citizens remains a core priority in the implementation of national infrastructure projects.
The Angola Town Water Supply Project, executed by the Guma Valley Water Company under the broader Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project (WASHAERP), is aimed at expanding access to safe and reliable drinking water across several communities in the Western Area. Areas expected to benefit include Angola Town, Adonkia, Ogoo Farm, Lakka, and Hamilton, with an estimated coverage of over 70,000 residents.
Conteh further highlighted the growing strain on existing water infrastructure, explaining that the Guma Dam—constructed in the 1960s to serve a much smaller population—now struggles to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding Freetown.
Speaking on behalf of the affected persons, Musa Turay welcomed the development and commended the government for progressing with the resettlement process. He, however, called for swift action to address the outstanding cases involving other affected individuals and urged authorities to provide long-term security for those already relocated.
In her keynote address, Minister Macarthy underscored the sensitive nature of land ownership, stressing that all relocation efforts must be handled with fairness, dignity, and respect for human rights. She reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that development initiatives do not undermine the welfare of citizens.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of protecting critical environmental zones, particularly the Western Area Peninsula, which serves as a vital water catchment for Freetown. She assured beneficiaries that government remains engaged in resolving all pending resettlement matters as part of its broader commitment to sustainable development and social justice.
