The Deputy Minister of information and Communications Haja Saidata Sesay has stressed the need to protect the environment and its water catchments areas.

The Deputy Information Minister was speaking at a presentation ceremony on the findings of the sub-committee on the demarcation of the Western Area Peninsular forest reserve and its catchments.

The committee comprises the Ministry of Information and Communication, the Lands Country Planning and the Environment Ministry, the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Office of National Security and the Ministry of Local Government and Internal affairs.

The committee’s findings observed that there is alarming environmental degradation and forest encroachment in the Western Area Peninsular Forest Reserve and its catchments, overlapping of mandates among line ministries, improper land use and lack of consultation and coordination among line ministries.

The committee findings recommended that the statutory declaration which lead to land grabbing should be abolished, demolition of structures above the cut-off points should be done immediately especially at Mount Sugar Loaf at Regent in the Western Rural District.

The findings also recommended that the Attorney General’s Office and the Sierra Leone Bar Association be represented in subsequent meetings, and the involvement of Headmen, councilors and environmental protection organisations.

Earlier, the Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Haja Sadata Sesay pointed out that the alarming deforestation and the exploitation of the water catchment areas are of concern to government.

Acting Director of Forestry, Sheku Mansaray pointed out that the committee with support from police and the military will soon embark on a massive demolition exercise.

He cited increase in population, poverty, and other social factors as the primary factor responsible for alarming deforestation and land encroachment in the Western Area peninsula and its catchment areas.

A representative of the Disaster Management Unit, John Rogers emphasized the importance of environment security which is a basic foundation for sustainable development.

Mr Rogers disclosed that an assessment conducted by ONS shows that about six thousand houses were destroyed by rains due to deforestation and environmental degradation.

He spoke about the effects of deforestation which he said contributes to climate change, wind storms, and water shortage in the western area.