Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a decisive move to address Sierra Leone’s pressing housing challenges, the General Manager of the Sierra Leone Housing Corporation (SALHOC), Mr. Joseph Munda Sandi, has called for strategic reforms to strengthen the nation’s housing sector. During the recent Housing Policy Dialogue Workshop, organized by the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre, Mr. Sandi underscored the corporation’s pivotal role in shaping housing policies and spearheading development efforts.
Established in 1982 through an Act of Parliament, SALHOC serves as the government’s principal agency for housing development, construction, and investment management. Speaking to stakeholders and policymakers, Mr. Sandi highlighted the multifaceted significance of housing in Sierra Leone’s national development agenda, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which advocates for inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and settlements.
Challenges Facing the Housing Sector
Acknowledging the severe housing deficit in the country, particularly for low-income earners, Mr. Sandi stressed the necessity for a structured and coherent policy framework. He cited the absence of strong legislative direction and policy coordination as key factors limiting progress in the sector.
“We have witnessed private-sector investments in housing; however, the absence of strong policy guidance and strategic coordination has limited their impact, especially for low-income households,” Mr. Sandi noted, emphasizing the need for urgent and collaborative action.
SALHOC’s Vision for the Future
In his address, Mr. Sandi reaffirmed SALHOC’s commitment to fostering affordable and safe housing solutions while acting as a driving force for national housing policies. As the investment arm of the Ministry of Lands, SALHOC aims to restore confidence in the housing sector by attracting sustainable investments through strengthened partnerships and strategic initiatives.
Mr. Sandi described the workshop as a crucial platform for dialogue among policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders, enabling innovative approaches to Sierra Leone’s housing crisis. He expressed optimism about the potential to build a more inclusive and sustainable housing ecosystem through collaborative efforts and enhanced policy frameworks.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to addressing Sierra Leone’s housing challenges and advancing the sector’s development for the benefit of future generations.