The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning is advancing plans to introduce a homegrown National Building Code in Sierra Leone, with a progress review meeting recently held in Freetown. The proposed National Building Code aims to strengthen construction standards, improve urban planning, and address unsafe and unauthorized developments. Dr. Turad Senessie, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, stated that the draft Code has been tailored specifically to Sierra Leone’s geographical, environmental, and developmental realities. He added that this approach avoids relying on foreign models, ensuring the Code is uniquely suited to the nation's specific needs and challenges.
Addressing Unsafe Development
Indiscriminate building practices, poor waste management, and a failure to adhere to professional standards continue to pose serious threats to public safety and environmental sustainability in Sierra Leone. Vulnerable communities, including Susan’s Bay, Kroo Bay, and Murray Town, remain highly exposed to the consequences of uncontrolled urban development, facing heightened risks from these unregulated practices. More than 70 percent of buildings currently under construction are allegedly proceeding without approved building permits, according to reports, noting the urgent need for strong regulatory frameworks.
The Government is preparing stricter enforcement measures and tougher penalties to curb illegal construction activities and improve compliance with planning regulations nationwide. The National Building Code is expected to significantly strengthen Sierra Leone’s planning framework, enhance public safety, protect the environment, and promote more resilient, sustainable, and orderly national development. This full approach shows the government's commitment to fostering responsible urban growth and safeguarding its citizens and natural resources.
Code's Full Provisions
The proposed legislation for Sierra Leone's National Building Code contains full provisions, according to Arc. Abel T. Onomake, Lead Consultant for the draft Code. Mr. Onomake stated, "The proposed legislation contains full provisions covering legal requirements, administrative procedures, enforcement mechanisms and technical standards for building construction and public safety." Key reforms outlined in the draft include tighter regulations for hillside developments, enhanced building safety standards, mandatory building setbacks, strengthened fire safety requirements, and improved accessibility standards. The code also aims for better coordination among relevant institutions, fostering a more integrated approach to urban planning and development. These provisions are designed to address the multifaceted challenges currently impacting construction and urban development across the country.
Arc. Abel T. Onomake added that the Code was specifically designed to address local environmental and development challenges. "The Code has been specifically designed to address Sierra Leone’s environmental and development challenges while introducing modern standards that promote resilience, structural safety and sustainable urban growth," he said. To ensure its relevance and effectiveness, the technical team conducting the assessments performed extensive field inspections across Freetown. These inspections included detailed examinations of coastal communities, rivers, streams, drainage systems, and hillside settlements, providing key data to inform the code's development and ensure it reflects the realities on the ground.
Implementation and Enforcement
The recent progress review meeting, held in Freetown, assessed the progress made on the draft Code, evaluated its current stage, and outlined the next steps toward its implementation. Dr. Turad Senessie, Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, directed the Director of Country Planning to organize a two-day national validation workshop. The workshop will involve local councils, Civil Society Organizations, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, development partners, and other key stakeholders, ensuring broad consultation and input. Following this, the document will be submitted to Cabinet and subsequently to Parliament for approval. Public education and nationwide sensitization campaigns are deemed essential for the successful implementation of the Code, ensuring that all citizens and stakeholders understand its importance and requirements. Once enacted, the National Building Code will function as a legally enforceable instrument, operating alongside the National Country Planning Act, 2025, to provide a strong legal framework for sustainable development.