Tourism Leader Urges Government to Safeguard Lake Sonfon

By Abdul Rahman Bah

On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, Fatmata Crew, the Director of the National Tourism Board, made a heartfelt appeal to the Parliament of Sierra Leone, urging the government to allocate domestic funding through official channels to support the tourism sector. This appeal follows the completion of the Sierra Leone Diversification Project in 2021, which left a substantial funding gap for the sector. Crew addressed the Sub-Appropriation Committee Group 3 during the 2024 budget hearing at Parliament in Freetown, chaired by Hon. Sallieu Osman Sesay.

In her statement, Crew highlighted the critical importance of adequate funding for the tourism sector, which has immense potential to contribute to national growth and economic stability. With a sense of urgency, she pointed to the severe challenges the sector faces, particularly the environmental degradation of Lake Sonfon—a site of great cultural and ecological significance. Illegal mining activities, predominantly by foreign operators, including Chinese and Ghanaian entities, have caused extensive damage to this vital area. Crew called on the government to take swift action to protect Lake Sonfon, stressing its importance not only as a cultural heritage site but also as a valuable asset for tourism development.

Located in the picturesque Diang Chiefdom of Koinadugu District in the Northern Province, Lake Sonfon is a stunning mountainous lake about 350 kilometers northeast of Freetown. The lake sits at 850 meters above sea level and is surrounded by hills, grasslands, savannas, and lush forests. During the rainy season, the lake’s surface expands dramatically, creating a breathtaking natural vista. The region receives substantial rainfall—between 2,286 to 2,540 millimeters annually—while temperatures range from 15°C to 33°C in the dry season and between 20°C to 27°C in the wet season.

Lake Sonfon is not only a natural wonder but also holds immense cultural significance. It is a sacred site for local ceremonies and cultural practices. In 1994, an Important Bird Area (IBA) survey found 115 bird species, including the rare Emerald Starling, and a variety of mammals such as the threatened Savanna Buffalo. The region’s diverse habitats support both forest and savanna species, adding to its ecological richness.

Despite its remote location, the area around Lake Sonfon is well-connected. The towns of Kabala to the north and Bendugu to the south are located 60 and 40 kilometers away, respectively. A well-maintained road leads to Benekoro, a village just 8 kilometers from the lake. Kondembaia, the chiefdom headquarters, is about 5 kilometers away, offering access to health services. Many nearby settlements benefit from gravity-fed clean water systems, enhancing the quality of life for residents.