Hundreds of Sierra Leoneans are seeking government intervention amid victimization over a land dispute at Kissy Dock Yard fisheries, as land-grabbing allegations have surfaced involving a company called Al-Hamd, owned by Mohammed Shahroz Ansari, an Indian national, at Texaco.
Ansari was accused by community stakeholders of unlawfully claiming ownership of a plot of 1.9 acres of land and property located at Kissy Dock Yard fishery, in the eastern part of Freetown.
The escalating tensions have sparked fears of potential violence, with residents pleading for immediate government action to prevent loss of life.
The dispute has escalated in recent weeks, with accusations of intimidation, harassment, and unlawful attempts to evict locals from the area.
In an exclusive interview with this medium, Rugiatu Kanu, one of the occupants who also served as the chairlady under the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), explained that they had suffered a lot to build those buildings, with significant financial expenditure, considering the cost of building materials they could afford before they were able to start their constructions.
She said an Indian national, including a Sierra Leonean named Desmond Korrogbo, had recently surfaced and asked them to vacate their property.
Joseph B. Kallon, a medical practitioner who is also a victim, explained that his efforts and years of service in the medical field had gone in vain. He said the company failed to do the needful, adding that even if the government had sold the land to them, they should not have used force to remove them.
“There has to be some negotiation, and if possible, compensation before we can relocate somewhere.” “We cannot allow anyone, no matter their nationality, to take this place from us through force or intimidation,” Mr. Jallo said.
Desmond Korrogbo, one of the shareholders at Al-Hamd Enterprise working closely with Mr. Ansari, explained that the 1.9 acres of land belonged to S.I Construction Company and that they possessed legal documents. He added that the demolition should have commenced four years prior, as the company secured the said land at the Ministry of Lands with all receipt documents.
However, the demolition has sparked public outcry among community members who feel their rights are being violated and are calling on authorities to intervene.
