Unveiling the Truth: Is Sierra Leone’s Environmental Protection Agency Compromising Sustainability?

Sierra Leone’s Environment Protection Act (EPA), introduced in 2008, aims to safeguard our natural resources and manage environmental issues. This law covers areas like pollution control, waste management, and climate change. Yet, many of our environmental challenges arise from human activities, including deforestation and poor waste disposal.

As the monsoon season sweeps across Sierra Leone, we know too well the devastating impacts: mudslides, floods, and erosion. These annual disasters, particularly in Freetown, highlight our vulnerability. The recent surge in building collapses reveals a pattern. How often do we see officials visiting disaster sites after the damage has been done? Are these tragedies thoroughly investigated, or do we simply bury our dead and move on?

The rains this season have already claimed lives, and each lost life is a sobering reminder of our ongoing struggles. While climate change plays a significant role in these crises, we must also examine our own actions in creating these risks. Even prominent figures in politics, like former President Trump, may deny the reality of climate change, but the evidence is undeniable.

Historically, our land has been altered since the arrival of explorers like Pedro de Cintra in 1462. He named our beautiful landscape “Serra Lyoa,” or Lion Mountains, a title now hard to reconcile with today’s battered environment. As we lose our lush greenery to urbanization and unregulated land use, we are reminded of the scars left by past disasters, like the mudslide of August 2017.

The demand for housing in Freetown has skyrocketed, leading to multiple ownership claims on single plots of land. This chaotic land ownership contributes to unsafe building conditions. Many homes now stand precariously close to landslides, a fact that many residents find hard to accept but must confront daily. The Ministry of Lands and the EPA have roles in this crisis, but their effectiveness often appears lacking.

The recent building collapses should prompt us to reflect on our urban planning and construction standards. This isn’t just about nature; it’s about ensuring safety and sustainability for our communities. The collaboration between agencies and local governments is essential—but it must be effective.

The Freetown City Council, under Mayor Yvonne Sawyerr, has made strides in waste management through initiatives like Klin Salone. However, our waste continues to outpace our disposal capabilities, leading to disease outbreaks. With clogged gutters and uncollected refuse, it only takes a short rain for chaos to ensue.

As we acknowledge these issues, it’s vital to recognize our part in them. Sure, we face the wrath of nature, but our actions often exacerbate the situation. There’s a growing sentiment on social media that calls for action—people are demanding change, not just passivity in the face of disaster.

Climate change is genuinely the biggest challenge of our time. It’s not too late for Sierra Leone to take significant steps toward solutions that lessen our impact. We must adopt sustainable practices and reject the fatalistic attitude of “How for do?” Each small action can contribute to a larger change. After all, the future of our children and generations to come depends on the choices we make today.

In summary, it’s essential to take responsibility for our environment and engage with organizations like the EPA. With thoughtful action and initiative, we can start to reshape the story of Sierra Leone’s relationship with nature.

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