THE ENVIRONMENT Sierra Leone:The Need For A Favourable Environment In 2008 Posted by Ishmael Dumbuya on Jan 16, 2008, 05:08

As an environmental writer who has been covering issues about the Sierra Leone environment, researches have been conducted in an attempt to find out the favourability of the environment we are living today, which to a greater extent has been plundered by humanity in their move to create artificial attractions. Some of these attractions which have been and still done against the environment by man ranged from the massive cutting down of the trees and the exploitation of other resources such as animals, birds and insects. Unfortunately, vehicles/industries contribute substantially in polluting the air with carbon monoxide. The dumping of waste and hazardous materials in the seas, throwing of pillages, debris, rubbish on the beautiful streets of Freetown are also contributing factors in the destruction of the environment.

For instance, around the Freetown peninsular, most of the trees that have been left as reserves and also serving as protection for the environment have been cut down, some are used as fire woods; while others used for domestic purposes. It is not only the environment that is undergoing these vicious and destructive attacks from humanity but also our animals and birds. have been facing rigorous disaster by man. And it is now evident that the hills closer to the capital city of Freetown have been destroyed as a result of erosion caused by the destruction of natural resources which used to provide the necessary and required shelter that prevent the destruction of the environment. Certainly, the erection of most of the building on hills, valleys and some prohibited areas by people haven’t the mandate of the Ministry of Lands Housing and the Environment, the official body responsible to issue out building permits and other related documents for the building of houses, factories and other structures. This is where the government of Sierra Leone should come in to protect the environment, by implementing or enforcing environmental laws. Another environmental issue that struck the mind which needs to be addressed is the rampant throwing of pillage, debris, rubbish on the beautiful streets of Freetown which this writer has already indicated. One thing is very certain, however that Sierra Leone is is living in a favourable business environment, because of that many international business operators are yearning to do business in to the country.

As a writer, one would wish to make the following recommendations to the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and the Environment and to the Mayor of Freetown Mayor Bankole Johnson. There are laws which state that anyone caught cutting down trees that should prevent and protect the forest is a crime against the state. It is for the Ministry to enforce the laws in order to protect our forests and the environment. The S H Trading Company is guilty of committing similar crime such as logging. However, Sierra Leoneans should show love kindness to the country, and stop engaging in activities that would destroy the environment.