Urgent Reevaluation of Black Johnson Beach Project Needed
The recent appointment of @JiwohA as the new Environment Minister brings a glimmer of hope for a fresh approach to environmental issues in Sierra Leone. Minister Abdulai's commitment to breaking away from the norm of business-as-usual (BAU) politics (as stated in one of his tweets) is commendable and raises expectations for a more proactive stance on environmental matters. One such matter that demands immediate attention is the Black Johnson Beach development project. Despite its purported benefits, concerns surrounding the project's environmental impact assessment, transparency, and adherence to legal procedures cannot be ignored.
The cornerstone of any responsible development is a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that evaluates potential environmental, social, cultural, and health impacts, both positive and negative. The failure to conduct a proper EIA for the Black Johnson Beach project, as mandated by the Environmental Protection Act of 2008, casts a shadow over the entire venture. Without a robust assessment, the true consequences of the project remain unknown, leaving citizens in the dark about the potential risks to their environment and way of life.
Transparency is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, especially when it comes to projects that impact local communities. The lack of transparency in the Black Johnson Beach project's execution is disconcerting. Opening the EIA for public inspection and comments is not only a legal requirement but also a vital step in building trust between the government and its citizens. Furthermore, publishing the EIA in a newspaper and the Gazette ensures wider dissemination of information, allowing concerned citizens to contribute meaningfully to the decision-making process. The failure to adhere to these fundamental steps raises suspicions of secrecy and undermines the legitimacy of the project.
The lack of clear and comprehensive information from the authorities regarding the Black Johnson Beach project has led to an unfortunate perception of abuse of process and office. The government's failure to address citizens' legitimate concerns and questions adds to the suspicion that something is amiss. If the project truly serves the interests of the people of Sierra Leone, it should not be an uphill battle for authorities to provide evidence, explanations, and assurances.
Minister Jiwoh Abdulai's commitment to departing from business-as-usual politics offers a unique opportunity to rectify past oversights and ensure a brighter future for #SierraLeone's environment and its citizens. Revisiting the Black Johnson Beach issue with transparency, public engagement, and adherence to legal procedures can set a positive precedent for responsible and accountable governance. By addressing the concerns raised by citizens, Minister Abdulai and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) can demonstrate a genuine commitment to a new era of environmental stewardship and public service. It's time for the government to dispel doubts, foster trust, and prove that the well-being of Sierra Leone's people and environment remains its utmost priority. (photo from @VisitSL)
It’s all hotting up on #SierraLeone’s Western Peninsula where the rape of #BlackJohnson has seemingly begun. To help hold her down the police accompanying our Chinese ‘development partners’, reportedly, tasered one resident, while charging another with conspiracy to cause…
In February 2023, @GlobalNamati#SierraLeone and @ILRAJ2 submitted comments and recommendations on the draft Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) report for a fish harbour project at Black Johnson, Western Area Rural District, Sierra Leone. Some of the key concerns raised by Namati Sierra Leone and ILRAJ include:
Conflict of interest
Disclaimer
Failure to provide data and information
Objective of the study
Missing sources or source citations
References to property owners and conclusions on property rights
Non-disclosure of names of affected persons that were compensated
Public participation in the ESHIA process
We urge the @ProtectionLeone to take these concerns into account and ensure that the ESHIA process is robust and transparent. Unfortunately, it seems our call fell on deaf ears. #SaloneTwitter @sonkita@EleanorThomps@MichaelBasita
@JorimJerry @Fornahib This is a very unfair question... have you tried to invest na mama #Salone... It will be the most frustrating process you ever embark on... The system that supports and encourage diasporan to go back home has not yet been created. You are likely to fail than succeed. True talk...
@VickieRemoe But lek you say... Potato potarto... The opposition also has a bad track record & incompetent leadership structure. Na God normor go help. We go for make politician them be accountable for their actions. Na di only recourse this way them respect. #SierraLeone Fos.
@VickieRemoe Cole heart & respect pass money. Di SLPP gov nor understand di plight of ordinary Salone man. Den nor sabi how for talk & relate to di people. Den di allow too much foolishness pan den leadership. Den don take #Sierraleone people them for granted & di take advantage pan them.
@VickieRemoe Cole heart & respect pass money. Di SLPP gov nor understand di plight of ordinary Salone man. Den nor sabi how for talk & relate to the people. Den di allow too much foolishness pan den leadership. Den don take #Sierraleone people them for granted. Ar sorry for SL.
No matter the outcome on June 2023, when it comes to leaders for a progressive Sierra Leone I don’t see them in the horizon.
I thank Allah, I divested from the election because if not all mi iya don white.
At this point—SLPP/APC/Potato/PoTAEto.
#sierraleonedecides