Dembelia Musaia Chiefdom, Falaba District, 14 February 2026- The Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina, has officially turned the sod for the construction of a modern court barray at Dembelia Musaia Chiefdom in Falaba District, marking the first of 41 similar facilities planned nationwide.
The ceremony, held in Dembelia Musaia Chiefdom, was chaired by the District Officer, Alicious Mohammed Sama, who said the visit was intended to showcase the construction plan to residents who had long anticipated the project through the efforts of the Paramount Chief and the minister.
Presenting the architectural design, the Chief Engineer of HITEC Construction Company, Mohamed M. Kanneh, used a PowerPoint presentation to outline features of the ultra-modern structure. The barray will include a main hall with a seating capacity of about 120 people, four offices, designated compartments, a stage area, strong structural pillars, and accessibility provisions for persons with disabilities. Office spaces will be tiled, the external surroundings neatly paved, and the roofing designed to withstand strong winds and storms. The facility will also be fenced, with separate gates for vehicles and pedestrians.
In his keynote address, Minister Lamina conveyed greetings from President Julius Maada Bio and thanked the people of Dembelia Musaia for their continued support to government development initiatives, including road construction. He noted that although the original project cost was estimated at Le1.75 billion, rising prices and delays have increased the figure to Le1.8 billion.
The minister explained that chiefdoms across the country were categorized into Classes A, B, and C during project planning, and that the government remains committed to constructing 41 barrays in phases due to competing national priorities. He emphasized the importance of barrays as community spaces and assured residents that the new structure would be properly fenced and secured.
However, he clarified that certain facilities such as solar electricity, a kitchen, and a borehole or hand-dug well are not included in the government’s budget, urging the community to contribute toward these additions. He added that although a holding cell will be provided and managed by the Chiefdom police, correctional professionals should be engaged where necessary. Minister Lamina also appealed to residents to create a peaceful working environment for contractors and encouraged the company to demonstrate high-quality workmanship on what he described as a flagship project.
Speaking on behalf of the chiefdom, Paramount Chief Manga Sorie Konko Jawara II expressed gratitude for development initiatives received over the years, particularly under the Sierra Leone People’s Party administration. He highlighted several projects, including the ongoing Guma water initiative, and called on young people to embrace and protect the new court barray once completed.
The ceremony was well received by the residents of the chiefdom including the youths who were also presented with football kits and 3 solar street lights from the ministry. The Deputy Secretary of the Local Government Ministry, Sahr F Mondeh and other stakeholders were also in attendance.
The sod-turning ceremony signals the beginning of a nationwide effort to improve community justice infrastructure and public meeting spaces across Sierra Leone.
