5 TOP DANGEROUS COMMUNITIES TO BUY LAND IN FREETOWN, WESTERN AREA

Introduction

Sierra Leone, particularly its Western region, is undergoing significant urbanisation and development expansion. Over the past decade, from 2014 to 2024, the western Rural areas (Waterloo and the Peninsular) have seen unprecedented growth, transformed old villages and given rise to new ones. The Mid-term Population and Housing Census (MPHC) 2021 report indicates that the Western region has experienced a rapid increase in population density, currently standing at a rate of 1,826.6 persons per square kilometre. The land area covered by this region has grown significantly, measuring 613 square kilometres, which is approximately 7.39 times larger than the capital city, Freetown. Furthermore, the population of the Western region has increased by over half a million people (662,156). These findings suggest a significant demographic shift in the region, with important implications for development planning and resource allocation.

Driving Factors Behind the Growth

One of the primary catalysts for this development is the completion of the four-lane track from Juba to No. 2 River and its further construction to Tokeh, connecting the route from Waterloo to Lumely. This infrastructure project has opened up accessibility and connectivity, facilitating easier movement of people and goods. Levuma Beach, Funkia, Ogu Farm, Mambo, and Bawbaw are experiencing a surge in commercial activities. To make transportation even more accessible, a new poda poda route has been introduced from Lumley to Bawbaw, with plans for a similar route from Bawbaw to Waterloo or Lumley upon the completion of all road construction from No. 2 River to Tokeh. These developments are expected to reduce transportation costs and promote economic growth in the area.

In the East End, new villages are sprouting along the Jui- Waterloo and Waterloo to Songo Colony route, with Waterloo itself expanding by a staggering five times its size since the 2004 Census.

Jui is currently experiencing significant economic growth due to its strategic location as the entry point from Freetown's east to west. The recent completion of the Regent-Jui highway has played a significant role in inducing this development. Other villages in the area, such as Hastings, Yams Farm, Rokel, Devi Hole, and Deep Water, are also witnessing an uneven expansion in commercial and residential development, stretching the town from the sea to the hills.

Waterloo 55, Newton/Four Mile, and Songo junctions are all becoming significant subsidiary markets. Moreover, the completion of the toll road has played a pivotal role in inducing this rapid development. While the Mamammah airport project remains uncertain, experts speculate that its completion would further amplify the growth trajectory in this part of the Western rural district.

The Positive Impacts of Development

The surge in urbanisation has brought along several benefits, including economic growth, infrastructure development, job creation, and expanded economic opportunities. However, these positive changes come with a set of challenges.

Challenges and Risks

One of the major concerns is deforestation due to increased construction activities. Additionally, the rapid influx of people puts significant pressure on essential services such as healthcare, electricity, water, and sanitation. This strain on infrastructure often leads to service delivery challenges.

Another alarming consequence of rapid urbanisation is the surge in crime rates. As areas expand and new communities form, ensuring security becomes a growing concern.

The Risks of Land Acquisition and the most dangerous place to buy land

While the development presents numerous opportunities, it also harbours risks, particularly in the real estate sector. The Western Area rural, despite its growth, has areas fraught with challenges for prospective land buyers.

Global Salone recently conducted a survey to identify the most dangerous areas to buy land. The findings revealed that certain locations are plagued by issues like land grabbing, fraudulent transactions, and corruption involving the Ministry of Lands and community stakeholders.

Conflict in the western area is widespread, occurring even in the city centre but in a different dimension. However, certain locations are apparently known for land-related conflicts, either between private individuals or between individuals/communities and the state. This survey shows that Waterloo and No. 2 are even more dangerous locations in which to buy land. Other locations, such as certain areas in Grafton, Hasting, and 4 and 6 miles, are also red zones. 

The conflict can differ in many respects; however, the source of the disputes is similar in most locations. Multiple sales of single land to various people are the most common form of land conflict in the western area. Landowners or sometimes even government officials sell land to different individuals. Sometimes, two or more individuals may own separate documents (Survey plan and conveyance) for the same land executed by the same person or individuals. Community stakeholders sometimes also connive to commit the same crime. One response said this often occurs when one fails to monitor or frequently shows up at the land. Illegitimate family members also attempt to sell land that they do not have the bonafide right to do so. The conflict occurs when the rightful owners show up and void the transaction. The buyer may have the option to either rebuy the same land or lose it entirely to the bonafide owners. Another instance of conflict is sales of land grabber (of private or state land) without a document showing a relationship whatsoever for the land. Caretakers, Ministry of Land officials/ Surveyors/other government officials, community youths and influential individuals or community authorities are notorious for these acts. Lands without legal documents are often married with conflict because now or later, the rightful owners (state or private individuals) will come for their properties. 

Often, land cases end up in a magistrate or high court. In fact, it is the largest form of individual lawsuit in Sierra Leone. Police and local authorities intervene occasionally to resolve these matters, but it often fails to end well. The police investigated land documents to establish bonafide owners and advise conflicting parties. They may choose to go by the police findings or pursue the case at the court level. The Ministry of Land is the primary custodian of all lands in the country, and it has records of all the land surveyed recorded in its database in the western area. So, on many occasions, it attempts to mediate or resolve land conflict between contesting parties. Headmen/women and other community stakeholders can also fix this at the community level, where community owners all agree and support individual ownership of the land and mediate between trespassers.

Global Salone

Global Salone Property and Investment is the leading and most formidable real estate company in Sierra Leone. We help individuals and corporations buy, sell, lease, rent/let, and manage their property. We are the go-to brokers and valuers in Sierra Leone. We are always available to provide our clients and customers with genuine and stress-free buying and selling properties. We serve people everywhere in Sierra Leone and from anywhere in the World.

Conclusion

Sierra Leone's Western Area is undeniably on an upward trajectory, with urbanization and development reshaping its landscape. While this growth promises prosperity and progress, it's crucial to tread carefully, especially when venturing into real estate investments. In addition, land conflict is occasional; it can increase and decrease in various ways, and it's often influenced by government actions or communities, but one should always be careful when buying land across the Western region.

Prospective buyers and investors must exercise due diligence, seek expert advice, and stay informed about the areas they intend to invest in. Awareness of the challenges and risks can help navigate the complexities of the burgeoning real estate market, ensuring a safer and more secure investment environment for all.

FEEDBACK

We would love to hear from you about which communities you recommend that others avoid when buying land in the Western Area. Why do you think this community is not safe? What was your experience? Would you like us to conduct a detailed analysis of any communities? We would appreciate your comments and suggestions.