The Development Control Unit in the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning has been moved to the Ministry of Works.
The move is to enhance proper planning and to create checks and balance in the operations of Government activities. According to the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning Lansana Bayoh Sesay the move is to ensure that the country starts having proper planning.
The Lands PRO stated that “The move was decided by the President that the Development Control Unit which is responsible for the issuance of building permits that before you put up a structure you should apply for building permit. And instead of the Ministry of Lands it is now under the Ministry of Works”
He also stated that “before applying for a building permit, you should have what they call planning permit from the Country Planning Division at the Ministry of Lands and it is that planning permit that you will attach to your application for a building permit to the Ministry of Works. That is, the planning aspect now is to be ensured it is in proper perspective”
The PRO also said that the planning section shall inspect the land whether it is suitable for the said construction and considerations shall also be taken for other facilities in the area.
He said the Development Control Unit shall not be working alone but with the Planning Unit of the Lands Ministry.