By Mohamed Kamara
Concerns are mounting over the allocation of $160,000 from World Bank funds for architectural plans for four regional offices under Sierra Leone’s National Land Commission. The funding, part of a $41.1 million World Bank-supported initiative to strengthen land administration systems, has drawn criticism from experts, retired professionals, and politicians, who are urging the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate.
Critics argue that the $160,000 budgeted for the plans—equivalent to $40,000 per office—appears excessive. They claim that architectural plans for office buildings typically cost far less. According to architects, even the design for a nine-story structure like the Youyi Building would not exceed $10,000, making the Commission’s expenditure significantly inflated.
These suspicions have led to broader questions about the management and expertise within the National Land Commission, which was established following the passage of the National Land Commission Act No. 10 of 2022. Insiders at the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning have expressed doubts about the Commission’s composition, alleging it lacks individuals with substantial expertise in land management.
Observers also criticize the overlapping roles of the newly established Land Commission, the Land Council, and the Parliamentary Commission on Land. Many recall the unresolved activities of the defunct Lands Investigation Committee against Dr. Dennis Sandy, alleging that past failures in land governance reflect a pattern of mismanagement and opportunism.
Critics emphasize the importance of delineating administrative responsibilities from technical expertise. They argue that while administrative bodies oversee processes, trained professionals in land surveying and related fields must retain autonomy to ensure effective and ethical land management.
As calls for accountability grow, experts advise the Commission to focus on its administrative mandate while maintaining close consultation with qualified professionals to avoid undermining the integrity of the land governance system.
The ACC is yet to respond to these allegations, but the growing public concern underscores the need for transparency and due diligence in managing funds intended to improve land administration in Sierra Leone.
