Govt. Compromises To Protect Occupants Of Bio Baray, Others …On Greenbelt Encroachment

An inter-ministerial assessment on the re-demarcation of the Western Area Peninsula which is an area covering the Greenbelt, headed by Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh agreed that settlements within the area will not be demolished.
The assessment which was carried out by participants from key Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with the Chief Minister being the team lead, resolved that the occupants will be required to pay charges to government. The delegation visited the Bio Baray, Mile 13, Comfort Bridge and other key sites.
This assessment is coming at time when several efforts have been made by the Ministry of Water Resources and Guma Valley Water Company calling on government to ensure that the Greenbelt area is protected at all cost from encroachment.
In June 2025, a joint rapid assessment report by the National Protected Area Authority and the Ministry of Lands, Country Planning and Housing was rejected by both Guma and the Ministry of Water Resources have sensed foul play in the process.
The Ministry and Guma Valley concluded that the proposed re-demarcation of the Greenbelt does not serve the national interest but that it will only benefit a few at water security, environmental protection and the safety of millions.
In the midst of all these, a statement was made by President Bio with a clear instruction that there should be no compromise when it comes to protecting the Greenbelt Area demanding all illegal structures within the area should be demolished.