By Sorie Ibrahim Fofanah
The National Tourist Board yesterday 19th March commenced the demolition of over thirty bars and restaurants at the Lumley beach in Freetown.
Speaking in an interview with Politico on the 18th of March this year, the Public Relations Officer of the National Tourist Board, Rabbi Kai Bockarie said a notice letter was earlier sent to beach property owners, informing them to remove permanent and makeshift structures from the beachfront.
The letter stated 13th March to be the deadline for property owners to remove the structures but he expressed dissatisfaction over what he said is the noncompliance by owners, with some refusing to receive the notice letter.
Before sending them the letter, a press release was issued three months ago on the same subject after several engagements with property owners, informing them of their decision to demolish the structures that do not comply with the guidelines drawn up by the board.
“After that stipulated deadline, the management of the National Tourist Board will take its fullest responsibility to demolish those beach bars and restaurants which are in front of the beach,” he added.
The demolition, the PRO noted will have a human face, adding they would not do demolition just like that without issuing out warnings, and that they had made sure that property owners understand the need for the demolition, saying the process isn’t biased.
According to Bockarie, the Four S’- Sea, Sun, Sand, and Street must not be blocked by structures.
On the composition of the committee for the demolition, he said it comprises staff from the Ministry of Tourism, the National Tourist Board, and the Sierra Leone Police.
For those property owners who meet the prerequisites in constructing structures, he said they are safe and free to operate their bars and restaurants.
According to the Tourism Governance Action, structures at the beaches should be built temporarily and not permanently.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (20/03/24)
