By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
The Kailahun District Council (KLDC) on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, officially launched the construction of an ultra-modern multipurpose hall and a new council well within its compound marking a significant milestone in efforts to enhance service delivery and infrastructure in the district.
The initiative, titled Empowering Kailahun District Council for Enhanced Inclusive Service Delivery, is funded by the European Union to the tune of €500,000 and will be implemented over a 24-month period starting from February 2025. KLDC is leading the implementation in partnership with AID-SL.
Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Acting Chief Administrator Hawa Toma Coomber stressed that the project is about more than just building infrastructure it’s about promoting good governance and financial sustainability. She emphasized the importance of reducing reliance on central government and donor funding for long-term development.
The European Union is not just handing us fish to eat; they are teaching us how to fish, Coomber said. This investment in our capacity will help us build a self-reliant future.
She added that the multipurpose hall would eventually serve as a revenue-generating facility, with usage fees reinvested into community development. Coomber also encouraged residents to pay their local taxes, underlining that internally generated revenue is key to sustainable growth.
KLDC Chairman, Sahr Ahmed Kaikonjor Lamin, described the initiative as a legacy project aimed at addressing long-standing community needs.
As a listening and passionate leader, I am always seeking ways to wipe your tears and respond to your needs, he told the gathered crowd.
Chairman Lamin assured that the new facilities would meet the highest quality standards. He cited the success of previous EU-backed initiatives such as the Strengthening Local Governance program as proof of KLDC’s ability to deliver. He also announced that the project includes the rehabilitation of the historic Kailahun Court Barray in 2026.
We plan to preserve its cultural essence while giving it a much-needed facelift, Lamin said, adding that more visible development projects are in the pipeline before the end of his term in 2028.
Representing women in the district, the Deputy Mammy Queen of Luawa Chiefdom, Elizabeth Suwi Vandi, pledged strong community support, especially from women.
When times are tough, women bear the brunt. That’s why I urge all women to back this project and pay their taxes it’s for our future, she said.
Town Chief of Kailahun, Alpha Bringo Ndoleh, praised the European Union for what he called a forward-thinking and compassionate intervention.
He who feeds you today and prepares you for tomorrow is a true partner and that is what the EU has done for us,” he remarked.
The project is expected to significantly strengthen KLDC’s capacity to deliver services, improve infrastructure, and generate its own revenue, helping to make the council more accountable and self-sufficient in fulfilling its mandate to the people of Kailahun District.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News Monday,21th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
