Freetown, Sierra Leone – The newly appointed General Manager of the Sierra Leone Housing Corporation (SALHOC), Mr. Joseph Munda Sandi, has called for urgent reforms to tackle the country’s growing housing deficit. Speaking at the Housing Policy Dialogue Workshop, organized by the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre, Mr. Sandi emphasized the corporation’s critical role in shaping the nation’s housing policies and driving development strategies forward.
Mr. Sandi, who assumed leadership of SALHOC, highlighted the corporation’s mandate, which was established by an Act of Parliament in 1982. He pointed out that SALHOC is the government’s primary entity responsible for housing development, construction, and investment management. He stressed that housing plays a crucial role in national development, underscoring its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
During his address, Mr. Sandi pointed to the severe housing deficit in the country, particularly among low-income earners. He noted that the absence of a clear legislative framework and coordinated housing policies has hampered sustainable investments in the sector. Despite private-sector involvement in housing development, Mr. Sandi argued that the lack of strong policy guidance and strategic coordination has limited their impact, especially for vulnerable populations.
“We have witnessed private-sector investments in housing; however, without strong policy direction and a coordinated strategy, these efforts have not sufficiently addressed the needs of low-income households,” Mr. Sandi stated.
He further reiterated that SALHOC’s role is not limited to the promotion of safe and affordable housing but extends to shaping and implementing national housing policies as the investment arm of the Ministry of Lands. He expressed a personal commitment to fostering partnerships that would drive meaningful reforms and restore confidence in SALHOC’s ability to attract and sustain investments in the housing sector.
“This is an opportunity to build strong partnerships that will enable us to drive positive change in the housing sector, ensuring that we not only meet the needs of today but also build a sustainable future for all,” Mr. Sandi said.
The Housing Policy Dialogue Workshop provided a vital platform for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and experts to engage in discussions aimed at addressing Sierra Leone’s housing challenges. Mr. Sandi’s remarks highlighted SALHOC’s renewed commitment to collaborative efforts, aiming to strengthen the country’s housing policies and investment climate, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future for Sierra Leone.
