By: Binta Jaiteh
The Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Hamat Bah, has disclosed that his Ministry will delineate the boundary between Busura village in Brikama South and Talokoto village in Kombo East.
The lands minister was responding to a question posed by Lamin J. Sanneh, Brikama South NAM, who said several court verdicts have been delivered in Busura’s favor but that Talokoto refused to accept the court judgments. This, Sanneh explained, has occasioned a lot of violent incidences in the area.
In response, Minister Bah explained that after careful consideration and examination of the situation of the country about land issues, the most effective way to resolve the land crises is to conduct boundary demarcation.
“My ministry is working diligently with relevant stakeholders to address this serious conflict between these communities. We are working very hard to ensure proper boundary demarcation because the exercise is sensitive and needs a thorough analysis of the many socio-economic and political consequences. The Ministry [lands ministry] has requested funds from the Ministry of Finance to conduct the exercise,” he revealed.
The Brikama South NAM then asked as to whether or not the request was factored in the 2025 budget but Minister Bah replied that the ministry only requested for the funds and that it is left to the finance ministry to determine how to pay the money. Bah added that his ministry has engaged the communities of Busura and Talokoto because the matter “is a serious concern” to the government. He promised that once the funds are available, the demarcation will take place.
Kiang West NAM Lamin Ceesay asked if the ministry was considering a holistic approach to this boundary demarcation to avert the occurrence of such a crisis in other communities.
“We are not requesting funds for the said communities only, but also for Gunjur and Berending boundary and many other areas because the issue of land crisis is rampant. Even though we cannot finish all at the same time the most sensitive ones will be addressed immediately,” Minister assured.
