The Kailahun District Council, past Wednesday, officially launched the construction of an ultra-modern multipurpose hall and a council sitting well in the Council compound, marking a significant milestone under a €500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Euros) European Union-funded initiative.
The project, titled “Empowering Kailahun District Council for Enhanced Inclusive Service Delivery,” aims to strengthen local governance and improve service delivery through infrastructural development and capacity-building. Funded by the European Union and implemented in collaboration with AID-SL, the initiative is set to span 24 months beginning February 2025.
At the sod-turning ceremony, Acting Chief Administrator, Hawa Toma Coomber, described the project as a transformative step for the district. Addressing stakeholders, she emphasized the need for local revenue generation as a sustainable path to development.
“The European Union are not giving us fish to eat; they are teaching us how to fish,” Coomber noted. “This facility will generate income through user fees, and that revenue will help us meet the development aspirations of our people.”
She added that beyond the construction, the project would also provide essential equipment and build the capacity of council staff—strengthening the council’s overall ability to serve the district efficiently. She further urged residents to fulfil their civic duties by paying taxes, which would sustain such development initiatives.
Chairman of the Kailahun District Council, Sahr Ahmed Kaikonjor Lamin, also spoke at the ceremony, expressing enthusiasm over the commencement of the project and its long-term significance for the district.
“I am passionate about leaving legacies that will stand the test of time. This multipurpose hall is more than a structure—it is a property of the people and a tool for future development,” Chairman Lamin stated.
Highlighting the success of previous EU-funded projects, including the “Strengthening Local Governance, Decentralisation and Sustainable Urban Development Through Territorial Approach to Local Economic Development” initiative, the Chairman assured stakeholders of the Council’s commitment to quality and transparency.
He also announced that the project includes the rehabilitation of the historic Kailahun Court Barray, scheduled to begin in 2026. “This will not be a complete overhaul,” he clarified. “We want to preserve the traditional structure while giving it a much-needed facelift.”
In her address, Deputy Mammy Queen of Luawa Chiefdom, Elizabeth Suwi Vandi, pledged women’s full support for the project and committed to raising awareness about the importance of tax compliance.
“When things get tough, women feel it the most. That’s why we must play our part in ensuring this project succeeds. I will encourage all women to support and contribute,” she said.
Also present at the ceremony was the Town Chief of Kailahun, Alpha ‘Bringo’ Ndoleh, who extended gratitude to the European Union for their consistent support. He praised the EU’s long-term approach to development, stating:
“He who only cares about what you eat today loves you, but he cannot be compared to the one who feeds you today and prepares you for the future. The EU has stood tall, and we thank them.”
The “Empowering Kailahun District Council” project is expected to significantly boost local economic development, public service delivery, and governance effectiveness in the district—laying a foundation for long-term growth and community empowerment.
