Augustine Amos Kargbo
Freetown, 29th September, 2026 – The National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) has called on all land claimants, developers, occupants, suppliers, contractors, and persons directing or financing works at the Aberdeen Creek for an immediate stop of ongoing works at the Creek. The NPAA made this statement in a notice issued on the 28th September, 2026.
According to NPAA, since they demolished structures at the Creek in August 2026, they have found fresh timber, corrugated sheet works, bagged fill, and stacked tyres at the Creek’s edge, and therefore called for an immediate stop of ongoing works.
The Directives include: People must cease dumping soil, sand, rubble, waste, bags or tyres, raising ground, erecting, repairing or occupying structures, cutting mangroves, and all related development at the Creek. It also called for withdrawal of workers, equipment, vehicles and deliveries.
The NPAA warned them not to enter or return to resume work, or remove fill in a way that worsens drainage or safety.
According to the notice, all land claimants, developers, occupants, suppliers, contractors, and persons directing or financing works at the Creek are required to submit any claimed allocation, title, lease or permit with their name and plot location at the NPAA Headquarters at 55 Sir Samuel Lewis Road, Aberdeen, Freetown, within 48 hours.
The Authority also stated the dangers of the ongoing works to the people and the Creek. “Filling a tidal Creek removes space for water and can push flooding toward neighbouring homes, roads, and businesses. Loose fill, bags and tyres can shift or fail in heavy rain and tides, putting people at risk and releasing waste into the water. Mangrove loss weakens natural protection from erosion and surges and damages fish habitat,” the Authority stated.
The notice further mentioned the legal authority given to the NPAA and the consequences of the ongoing works at the Creek. It states the National Protected Area Authority and Conservation Trust Fund Act 2022 (No. 31 of 2023) places the Sierra Leone River Estuary under NPAA supervision (section 12(2), and Section 12 (3)(n) authorises necessary actions, which include demolition, to prevent construction or development in Protected areas and wetlands. It further stated that Section 12(3)(a), (m), and (o) address ecosystem protection, wetland management and enforcement, whilst Section 30(3) bars activities contrary to Protected Area objectives, and Section 32 provides penalties upon conviction.
The notice also talked about the plans of the Authority on the issue. “NPAA will document renewed filling and building, identify those responsible, remove unlawful works, and refer cases for prosecution where necessary. We will pursue appropriate restoration and lawful remedies,” the notice stated, with a stern declaration: “A demolished structure must not be rebuilt; stop work now or face the consequences.”
