Chief Justice Launches Construction of High Court and Three Magistrates’ Courts in Waterloo
Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, on Tuesday officially turned the sod for the construction of one High Court and three Magistrates’ Courts in Waterloo, in a move aimed at expanding access to justice and easing pressure on court facilities in Freetown.
The project, which is expected to be completed within one year, will serve Waterloo and surrounding communities whose population stands at 314,382, according to the 2021 Mid-Term Population and Housing Census. Waterloo lies about 20 miles east of Freetown and covers an estimated land area of 163.1 square kilometres.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Justice Kamanda described the development as a historic milestone in the administration of justice, noting that adequate infrastructure is essential to the effective delivery of justice. He said the construction forms part of the Judiciary’s broader agenda to decentralise and improve access to courts across the country.
The Chief Justice commended President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for what he described as strong and consistent support to the justice sector, adding that government commitment is now translating into tangible improvements in judicial infrastructure nationwide.
He urged the contractor to adhere strictly to the one-year completion timeline, stressing that rapid population growth in Waterloo has intensified the need for modern court facilities. He said the new courts would significantly reduce congestion at the main Law Courts on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown.
Chief Justice Kamanda also assured stakeholders of the Judiciary’s full cooperation to ensure timely completion of the project and called on the Sierra Leone Police to provide adequate security to protect construction materials and personnel.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s post-war experience, he recalled that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified lack of access to justice as a contributing factor to the civil war, emphasising that sustainable peace cannot exist without justice.
Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandy, said the project demonstrates government’s commitment to the rule of law and equal access to justice, noting that President Bio’s support for the justice sector remains strong.
Representing the Local Unit Commander, Superintendent of Police A.B. Mansaray welcomed the initiative, saying the police would benefit directly from improved court infrastructure once the facilities are completed.
Deputy Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Services, Madam Susan Baby Koker, said the new courts would support the efficient management of remand prisoners and convicted offenders, while enhancing rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
The Chief Administrator of the Waterloo Local Council and other stakeholders pledged to support and monitor the project to ensure it is completed on schedule.
