By Thaimu T Kamara

The Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis M. Sandy, has led a high-level technical delegation on an inspection visit to the ongoing construction of the Waterloo High Court and Magistrates’ Courts Complex at Kings Yard.

The inspection formed part of the Ministry’s efforts to monitor the progress of major public infrastructure projects and ensure that ongoing works are delivered according to the required standards.

The Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Works, the newly posted Permanent Secretary, Mr. Jusu, the Chief Director, Deputy Secretary, senior technical directors and engineers from the Ministry.

During the visit, the delegation assessed the progress of construction and reviewed various aspects of the ongoing works at the facility. The technical team also examined areas of the project requiring further attention to ensure that construction remains in line with approved specifications.

The Waterloo Court Complex is being constructed to provide a dedicated judicial facility capable of accommodating both a High Court and Magistrates’ Courts. The project is also expected to provide a range of supporting facilities designed to improve the functionality, security and overall environment of the courts.

Among the planned facilities are exhibit rooms, a borehole and a security post. The complex will also include specialised courtrooms for juvenile and sexual-offence cases, providing a more appropriate setting for the handling of sensitive cases involving vulnerable groups.

The construction project is being undertaken by Afkam Construction Sierra Leone Limited.

The development is part of the Government’s broader efforts to decentralise public infrastructure and improve access to essential public services for communities outside Freetown.

For residents of Waterloo and surrounding communities, the completion of the court complex is expected to bring judicial services closer to the people and reduce the need for residents to travel to the capital to access certain court services.

The project is also expected to contribute to the strengthening of judicial infrastructure in the Western Rural area by providing a modern and purpose-built facility for the administration of justice.

Speaking during the inspection, the Minister’s delegation underscored the importance of ensuring that public infrastructure projects are executed to the required technical and quality standards.

The presence of senior Ministry officials and engineers provided an opportunity for a detailed assessment of the construction works and the identification of areas that may require corrective measures or additional attention as the project progresses.

The inspection also demonstrated the Ministry’s continued focus on monitoring construction projects at various stages to ensure value for money and compliance with established standards.

The Waterloo High Court and Magistrates’ Courts Complex is expected to become an important component of the justice infrastructure serving Waterloo and neighbouring communities once completed.

Its planned combination of High Court and Magistrates’ Court facilities, together with specialised courtrooms and supporting infrastructure, is intended to create a more comprehensive environment for the delivery of judicial services.

The Government’s decentralisation agenda seeks to ensure that communities outside the capital have improved access to essential public infrastructure, including justice, health, education and other public services.

The inspection therefore represents part of the wider effort to translate that policy objective into tangible infrastructure developments across the country.

As construction continues, the Ministry of Works and Public Assets is expected to maintain technical oversight of the project to ensure that identified issues are addressed and that the facility is completed in accordance with the required standards.

Upon completion, the Waterloo Court Complex is expected to strengthen the administration of justice in the area and provide residents with a more accessible, suitable and modern environment in which judicial proceedings can be conducted.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 31st August 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)