After repeated stakeholders’ engagements and warnings, Parliament’s approval as well as fulfillment of other criteria in accordance with the law including payment of compensation to deserving beneficiaries, government has embarked on clearing of lands and demolition of illegal structures ahead of the construction of a US$S55M fish harbour at Black Johnson community in the western area rural district of Freetown.

The exercise which commenced on 19th June, 2025 and led by staff of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources was witnessed by the Military Police, civil society, media and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning.

Addressing community members at the site, the acting Director of Fisheries, Sheku Sei, said the exercise was part of an agreement made by government and key stakeholders to ensure the objectives of the project are realized.

Mr. Sei intimated that engineers charged with the construction of the modern harbour will soon arrive in the country to start work.

The project, he went on, stands to benefit millions of people as it will reduce illegal fishing, smuggling, create jobs and revitalize the economy.

When completed, he said the project will enhance infrastructural development and create opportunities for auxiliary services such as boat building, net mending, bunkering and fish processing among others and appealed for support to expedite the implementation of the project.

One behalf the civil society in Sierra Leone, an activist, William Sao-Lamin assured all of their unwavering determination to ensure the project is successfully implemented through a win-win situation for the benefit of all.

The Brigade Commander, Western Area, Colonel Moriba Kposowa said their role was to ensure peace and harmony are maintained during the exercise and pleaded to all for cooperation.

The headwoman of Black Johnson community, Hawanatu Gbla, expressed concern about the deplorable condition of those affected, including herself and appealed for some considerations that would ease their sufferings.

It could be recalled that the government of Sierra Leone in 2018, secured a US$55M grant from the People’s Republic of China for the construction of a modern fish harbour at Black Johnson community.