The newly appointed General Manager (GM) of the Sierra Leone Housing Corporation (SALHOC), Mr. Joseph Munda Sandi has reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to tackling the country’s housing challenges by people in Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the Housing Policy Dialogue Workshop, hosted by the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre, Mr. Sandi emphasized SALHOC’s critical role in shaping the nation’s housing policies and development strategies.

In his address, Mr. Sandi ssid SALHOC, established in 1982 by an Act of Parliament, serves as the government’s primary vehicle for housing development, construction, and investment management.

He talked of the multifaceted role of housing in advancing national development, thus referencing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goal 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable for all.

Mr. Sandi pointed to the urgent need for a structured framework to address Sierra Leone’s housing deficits, particularly for low-income earners in the country.

He emphasized the lack of a clear legislative framework and policy coordination, which he said, has hindered sustainable investments in the sector.

“We have witnessed private-sector investments in housing; however, he added, the absence of strong policy guidance and strategic coordination has limited their impact, especially for low-income households,” he noted.

Mr. Sandi said SALHOC is not only responsible for promoting safe and affordable housing for those in need but also plays a key role in shaping and implementing national housing policies as it is the investment arm of the Ministry of Lands.

“Personally, I see this as an opportunity to foster stronger partnerships with partners which will drive a meaningful change and restore confidence in SALHOC’s ability to attract and sustain investment in the housing sector,” he added.

The Housing Policy Dialogue Workshop provided a crucial platform for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and experts to discuss innovative solutions meant to tackling Sierra Leone’s housing challenges.

Mr. Sandi’s remarks underscored a renewed commitments to collaborative efforts, aimed at strengthening the housing sector’s policy framework and investment climate for a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.