Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis has called on communities to stand up against sand mining – a development said to be affecting tourism in Sierra Leone. This is sequent to complaints received by her ministry regarding sand mining in Bureh Beach.

Whilst on an inspection visit to the Bureh Beach Village; a World Bank funded construction site under the ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Ms. Tunis, received several complaints from residents regarding sand mining at Bureh Beach. The residents expressed their disappointment, stating that this activity is hampering community development and threatening the beach's natural beauty. She thanked the residents for expressing their concerns about the sand mining which she termed ‘illegal’ in the community. She noted that the current World Bank founded construction site under SLeDP  offers significant benefits to the community and urged residents not to engage in activities that could undermine the project's sustainability.

The Minister emphasized the need for decisive action to address the situation and called for collective responsibility and collaboration. With September's theme being 'Tourism Multiplier Benefits,' the Minister highlighted the positive impact that tourism has on Bureh Beach Village and the country as a whole; adding that the investment by World Bank in Bureh Beach will enhance the Touristic site and generate additional revenue. She stressed however, that if sand mining continues, it could deter tourists from visiting, thereby resulting in a significant loss for both the government and residents of Bureh.

The Minister urged the community to implement mechanisms to put an end to the sand mining. She encouraged residents to act as surveillance agents and report any sand mining activity at Bureh Beach to the Headwoman, while also discussing the issue of sand mining at John Obey. The Minister expressed thanks and appreciation to the community for adopting the model to have a private Sector manage the facilities for five years after which the community will take over management. Therefore, the importance of them acquiring skills during this five-year period is for them to be able to maximize revenue generation. She commended the community for maintaining positive relationship with the contracting firm  and called  on the contractor to expedite work and ensure that the finished product meets high the quality outcome being expected on the project.