By: Problyn J Alpha
With funding from the World Bank, Augustine Sahr Sheku, Chairman of Kono District Council, has officially handed over two community projects to committees in Sukudu and Sewafeh, located in Kamara and Nimiyama Chiefdoms respectively. These transformative sub-projects, part of the Accountable Governance for Basic Service Delivery initiative, mark a significant milestone in the district’s development trajectory.
At Sukudu in Kamara Chiefdom, the handing-over ceremony featured the official unveiling of a rehabilitated health centre, now equipped with an expanded labour ward, modern WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities, and newly constructed staff quarters to accommodate health workers.
This upgrade is expected to drastically improve maternal health services and overall healthcare delivery in the region. Engineer Ibrahim Kabbia, who oversaw the project implementation, described it as a resounding success. He attributed the smooth execution to strong collaboration between contractors and the local community, emphasizing that the facilities are now ready for public use. “We are here today to hand over these facilities to the people for utilization,” he stressed, urging residents to maintain and protect the infrastructure.
In a similar development, in Sewafeh, Nimiyama Chiefdom, the Kono District Council Chairman also handed over a rehabilitated SDA Primary School. The school now features a newly constructed three-classroom building furnished with desks and chairs, alongside at least two rehabilitated classroom blocks. The entire facility is supported by a solar-powered borehole and WASH amenities, ensuring a conducive learning environment for pupils.
Councillor Mohamed Kebbie of Sewafeh community expressed heartfelt appreciation for the initiative, noting that the upgraded school would serve as a beacon of hope for children in the area. He called on residents to support the school authorities in maintaining the facility.
In his keynote address, Chairman Augustine Sahr Sheku extended gratitude to the World Bank, contractors, community members, and importantly, President Julius Maada Bio for fostering an enabling environment for human capital development—one of the pillars of the President’s Five Big Game Changers agenda. Chairman Sheku deliberately explained the President’s development vision to ensure community members understood the broader goals behind these projects. He urged the local beneficiaries to take full ownership of the facilities, stressing that responsible stewardship would pave the way for future investments.
He also highlighted other ongoing development efforts by the Council in both project sites.
Councillor Kalil Kamara of Sukudu echoed the community’s joy, calling the day “a great moment for the people of Sukudu and its catchment areas.” He pledged to ensure that the health facility remains functional and well-monitored.
Concluding the event, the town chiefs of the two beneficiary communities expressed their appreciation for the work done and reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the new infrastructure to serve generations to come.
The handing-over ceremonies exemplify how strategic partnerships and community engagement can drive sustainable development. The people of Kono District now stand better equipped to pursue their health and education goals with renewed vigor and pride.
