By: MoD Communication Unit
Colonel (Rtd) MB Massaquoi, the Deputy Minister of Defence, symbolically commissioned solar-powered boreholes newly constructed by Moliba Construction Company at Wilberforce, Murray Town, and Juba Barracks on Tuesday, 4th March 2025.
This project was part of an initiative promised by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Major General AI Bangura, during his maiden address to Western Area Troops at the Dr Julius Maada Bio Parade Square in January 2025.
The MoD/RSLAF leadership has positioned itself as a “Welfare-Centric Command,” with a primary focus on improving the welfare of soldiers and their families, particularly by addressing acute water shortages in the barracks. The provision of clean water to the barracks, especially Wilberforce, Murray Town, and Juba Barracks, was identified as a high-priority welfare issue that needed urgent attention.
In just three months in office, the current leadership, under the guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff, successfully constructed four boreholes at Murray Town Barracks, five at Juba Barracks, and ten at Wilberforce Barracks. This initiative significantly improved the morale of both soldiers and their families, garnering admiration for the swift actions taken by the MoD/RSLAF senior management.
The ceremony began with a welcoming address by Colonel MM Kposowa, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Brigade, who outlined the purpose of the gathering: the symbolic commissioning of the boreholes at the three barracks. He thanked the MoD/RSLAF leadership, particularly the Deputy Minister of Defence and the Director General of Defence, for their unwavering support of the CDS’s initiative.
Mrs. Kumba Lebbie, the wife of WO1 Lebbie, expressed her gratitude for the water project, highlighting the significant impact it would have on the well-being of families in Wilberforce Barracks. She shared how the lack of water had negatively affected their children’s education and daily lives, and thanked the CDS for restoring their dignity by making water accessible to them.
Mr. Mohamed A. Bangura, CEO of Moliba Construction Company, the contractor responsible for the boreholes, provided expert advice on the management and maintenance of the newly installed water systems. He recommended the establishment of a management team and advised that a scheduled usage plan be implemented to ensure the longevity and operational effectiveness of the boreholes. He also praised the collaboration between the MoD/RSLAF and the company, noting that materials used for the project were sourced from Germany and fast-tracked to Sierra Leone with the support of the Deputy Minister of Defence and the Director General of Defence.
In his remarks, Brigadier General KT Sesay, Chief of Army Staff, reinforced the MoD/RSLAF leadership’s commitment to a welfare-centric approach that prioritises the well-being of personnel. He also shared plans to extend the water project to other barracks across the country and highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including road reconstruction at Murray Town and Wilberforce Barracks.
Deputy Minister Massaquoi, in his keynote address, acknowledged the long-standing issue of water scarcity in the barracks and commended the efforts of the Chief of Defence Staff in bringing this initiative to fruition. He emphasised that the project aligned with the government’s Big 5 Game Changer Agenda, particularly in the areas of health and food security. He also praised the contractor for their quick and efficient work.
Mrs. Kai Samba, Coordinator of Beamay Preparatory School, expressed gratitude on behalf of the school’s staff and students, thanking the MoD/RSLAF leadership for bringing water to the Wilberforce Barracks, which benefited the school community. Additionally, Mrs. Asanatu Sao Bangura, President of the Army Wives Cooperative Society, extended her appreciation and requested further development for the school.
Mrs. Kabba, wife of Corporal Kabba, a Mammy Queen at Wilberforce Barracks, also thanked the MoD/RSLAF leadership for the water project and prayed for continued blessings to support further advancements for the armed forces.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic cutting of the tape and the activation of the solar-powered boreholes by the Deputy Minister of Defence, with all pumps successfully running. The event was met with jubilant celebrations from the residents of Wilberforce Barracks, particularly the children and wives of soldiers, who expressed their joy at the availability of clean, running water. As a token of appreciation, the soldiers’ wives at Wilberforce Barracks presented a gift to the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff for their efforts in providing clean and safe drinking water.
