The community of Bureh Town, Sierra Leone, has taken a significant step towards boosting tourism in the region. In a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the Project Coordinating Unit (PCU) of the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), stakeholders and residents of Bureh Town have unanimously agreed to implement a private sector management model for the new tourism and leisure facilities at Bureh Beach.
This decision, reached during a community meeting, signifies a strong commitment to the development of Bureh Beach. The SLEDP, aiming to bolster Sierra Leone’s tourism sector, is focusing on key locations such as Bureh Beach, Leicester Peak, and Tacugama. At Bureh Beach, ongoing developments include a beach boardwalk, market stalls, a surf club, a restaurant, a jetty, public showers, green parking areas, and improved access roads.
Prince Gaima, Tourism Specialist for the SLEDP, highlighted the purpose of the meeting as engaging the Bureh community in selecting a management model for the new facilities. The community’s initial suggestion of private sector management was confirmed during the meeting, demonstrating their strong support for this approach.
Mohamed Jalloh, Director of the Tourism, Travel, and Exchange Programme, emphasized the potential of the new facilities to generate local employment opportunities and improve livelihoods in Bureh Town. He highlighted the government’s vision of transforming Bureh Beach into a top-tier tourist destination, benefiting both the local community and the national economy.
After thorough discussions, the community, represented by Head-woman’s delegate Pa Tucker, agreed that a private entity would manage the facilities for a period of five years. Following this, management responsibilities will be transferred to the community, providing them with valuable experience in running the facilities independently.
This decision marks a significant milestone in the development of Bureh Beach, positioning it as a growing tourism hub that will contribute to both the local community and Sierra Leone’s broader tourism ambitions. The community’s active participation in shaping the future of Bureh Beach, coupled with the private sector’s expertise in tourism management, holds immense potential for sustainable tourism growth and economic prosperity in the region.
