The General Manager of the Sierra Leone Housing Corporation (SALHOC), Mr. Joseph Munda Sandi, accompanied by Deputy General Manager Mr. Emmanuel Tommy and a dedicated team recently conducted a strategic inspection of three key SALHOC sites in the Western Area Rural and Koya Rural District.

The visited locations—Macdonald, Mapana, and Six Mile – are situated on the outskirts of Freetown and are integral to the corporation’s housing development agenda.

During the visit, Deputy GM Mr. Emmanuel Tommy introduced the newly appointed General Manager to prominent local leaders, including former Headman of Macdonald, Mr. Amadu Kamara, where SALHOC owns 11 acres of land currently under threat from encroachment. At Maparia, Mr. Sandi met with Headman Albert Koroma, where the corporation controls 150 acres, while at Six Mile, he was introduced to Chairman Abu Bakarr Kamara, who oversees 200 acres and 52 housing units under SALHOC’s jurisdiction. The community leaders warmly welcomed the new General Manager and shared insights into their ongoing efforts to manage and safeguard these lands.

Addressing the pressing issue of land encroachment, Deputy GM Mr. Tommy underscored the need for a collective approach to protect SALHOC’s properties. He expressed optimism that under the new leadership, enhanced collaboration would help prevent further encroachment and ensure the security of these critical assets.

General Manager Mr. Joseph Munda Sandi extended his appreciation to the local headmen for their unwavering commitment as custodians of these lands. He urged them to continue their efforts in securing the properties and assured them that once sufficient funding is secured, SALHOC plans to develop these areas into low-cost housing units, healthcare centers, and schools. He reiterated the Corporation’s mission to provide affordable housing, aligning with the government’s infrastructural development agenda.

Reaffirming his commitment to SALHOC’s mandate, Mr. Sandi assured stakeholders that the Corporation is poised to fulfill its housing objectives.

Housing and Planning Manager, Ing. Martin Massaquoi further elaborated on the challenges in safeguarding and developing these lands, stressing the need for strong community cooperation to address these issues.

Established in 1982, SALHOC is tasked with facilitating the provision and management of housing facilities across Sierra Leone to help bridge the nation’s housing deficit. Despite its long-standing existence, the corporation has completed only one major housing project—the Seven Battalion Estate in Goderich. However, with a renewed focus and strategic leadership, SALHOC is determined to expand its impact and deliver sustainable housing solutions for Sierra Leoneans.

The recent site visits reaffirm the corporation’s dedication to its mission, reinforcing efforts to protect its assets and advance housing development initiatives across the country.