By Mahamood Fofana
Uncontrolled construction along waterways and wetlands in Makeni and surrounding communities is raising serious environmental concerns, prompting calls for urgent government action.
Wetlands play a critical role in protecting the environment by storing and regulating water, particularly during the dry season. However, increasing encroachment and construction activities in these areas have alarmed residents and environmental stakeholders.
In an interview, the Northeast Regional Director of the Ministry of Lands, Idris Kamara, said wetlands are protected to preserve the environment and support water retention. He noted that the Ministry is responsible for safeguarding state lands and issuing building permits in line with national regulations.
Kamara acknowledged that permits for developments in wetlands may be considered under strict conditions but stressed that most of the ongoing construction in Makeni is unauthorised and unknown to the Ministry.
“We have defiant people, and some use political affiliation to construct in wetlands,” he said, adding that enforcement is often complicated by the financial influence behind such projects.
Senior External Relations and Advocacy Officer at the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), Charles Lebbie Jr., said the agency is not involved in approving construction projects in wetlands. He explained that the EPA serves an advisory role, working with institutions such as the Ministry of Lands and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to highlight environmental risks.
Lebbie warned that continued destruction of wetlands could increase the risk of flooding and cause long-term environmental damage.
The growing encroachment on wetlands in Makeni has intensified calls for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations and greater public awareness to protect these vital ecosystems.
