By Emma Black

Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has officially launched the construction of one High court and three magistrates’ courts in Waterloo, marking a major step toward strengthening access to justice in the rapidly growing township.

The sod-turning ceremony, held in waterloo approximately 20 miles east of Freetown signals a significant expansion of judicial infrastructure in the western area rural district, according to the 2021 mid-term population and housing census, waterloo has an estimated population of 314,382 people spread across 163.1 square kilometres, underscoring the urgent need for modern court facilities.

Addressing stakeholders, community leaders, and officials at the ceremony, chief Justice Kamanda described the project as a historic milestone in Sierra Leone’s justice delivery system, he said the development reflects a long-standing vision under his leadership to improve access to justice nationwide.

We cannot meaningfully talk about justice without the requisite infrastructure, the chief justice stated, for many years, infrastructural challenges slowed the administration of justice, but today we see clear commitment by the government to rehabilitate and construct courts across the country.

The chief justice expressed deep appreciation to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for his unwavering support to the Judiciary, describing the President’s commitment to justice sector reform as instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.

Your Excellency, thank you for your continuous support to the judiciary and for strengthening the administration of justice in Sierra Leone, he said.

Justice Kamanda urged the contractor to strictly adhere to the one-year completion timeline, stressing that the population growth in waterloo and surrounding communities has increased pressure on existing courts, particularly the main law courts at Siaka stevens Street in Freetown, he noted that the new court complex would significantly ease congestion and improve case management.

He further assured stakeholders of the judiciary’s full cooperation to ensure the timely completion of the project, with the goal of commissioning the facility within the year, he also appealed to the Sierra Leone police to provide adequate security for contractors and engineers to prevent theft and other security challenges.

Reflecting on the nation’s history, the chief justice recalled findings of the truth and reconciliation commission, which identified lack of justice as one of the root causes of Sierra Leone’s decade-long civil war, he emphasized that justice and peace are inseparable.

There can be no peace without justice, and no justice without peace, he stressed.

speaking at the event, minister of works and public assets, Dr. Denis Sandy, described the sod-turning as further evidence of the government’s commitment to promoting the rule of law and equal access to justice, he praised President Bio’s support for justice sector development, describing it as unmatched.

Representing the local unit commander, Superintendent of Police A.B. Mansaray welcomed the project, noting that the Sierra Leone Police would be among the key beneficiaries upon its completion, particularly in terms of efficient case processing and improved coordination with the courts.

Also addressing the gathering, deputy director-general of the Sierra Leone correctional Services, Madam Susan Baby Koker, outlined the institution’s mandate to securely manage remand prisoners and convicted offenders while prioritizing rehabilitation and reintegration. She expressed appreciation that the construction of the waterloo high court and magistrates’ courts had finally become a reality.

Other speakers, including the chief administrator of the waterloo local council, pledged their commitment to closely monitor and support the construction process to ensure the project is completed on schedule and to standard.

The new court complex is expected to significantly enhance judicial service delivery in waterloo and its surrounding communities, bringing justice closer to the people and strengthening public confidence in the legal system.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 26th January 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)