For years, the Kenema Plane Field land has been at the centre of confusion, tension, and competing claims, leaving residents, community leaders, and investors uncertain about the future of the area. What was once a public space with strategic importance gradually became a symbol of disorder in land administration, as overlapping allocations and undocumented claims created unrest within the city.
The situation, however, has taken a new turn with the intervention of the newly appointed Regional Director of Lands, who doubles as the Assistant Director, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning (MLHCP), Mr Yayah Kamarake, whose decisive and transparent approach has begun to restore sanity to the long-standing land saga.
Upon assuming office in July this year, the Director made the Kenema Plane Field issue a priority, recognizing that unresolved land disputes not only undermine development but also erode public trust in government institutions. In a series of engagements with local authorities, traditional leaders, affected land occupants, and officials from the Kenema City Council and drivers’ union, the Director emphasized the need for due process and respect for the law.
He made it clear that no individual or group is above established land policies, and that public lands must be protected for the benefit of present and future generations. As part of the intervention, a comprehensive review of all documents and claims relating to the Plane Field land was initiated. Illegal allocations were suspended, questionable documents were subjected to verification, and clear boundaries were re-established.
This process, though firm, was handled with sensitivity, allowing aggrieved parties the opportunity to present their cases through lawful channels rather than through confrontation. Residents of Kenema have welcomed the move, describing it as a timely and bold step towards ending years of uncertainty.
Community members say the Director’s hands-on presence and willingness to listen have helped to calm tensions and rebuild confidence in the Lands Ministry’s commitment to fairness and accountability. The Kenema Plane Field, many believe, now stands a chance of being properly planned and developed in line with the city’s growth needs.
With sanity gradually returning to land administration in the area, the intervention serves as a reminder that strong leadership, guided by the rule of law, can resolve even the most complicated land disputes. For the people of Kenema, the message is clear: the era of confusion and unchecked land grabbing is giving way to order, transparency, and responsible land management.
