Ahmed Shekuba Koroma, the Chief Administrator of Kenema District Council, strongly condemns the illegal actions of Jagaban, who demolished the council's facility in Blama Town, Small Bo chiefdom. This condemnation was expressed during a meeting with Paramount Chief P.C. Darfie Benya and other stakeholders of the Small Bo chiefdom. The Chief Administrator informed the stakeholders of Blama Town that the council, with support from the central government, has always been responsive to the service delivery demands of the people in the chiefdom and the district as a whole. He emphasized that the video circulating on social media, showing Jagaban attempting to demolish and reconstruct the community center without the prior notice and consent of the Kenema District Council administration, is unacceptable.
The Chief Administrator clarified that the council does not oppose anyone who wishes to support their efforts in terms of service delivery, but it must be done within the framework of the law, which was not the case in this situation. He highlighted some of the strategic development interventions carried out by the government through the council in the Small Bo chiefdom. These include road maintenance covering 93.2 km, the construction of 32 culverts and 7 bridges, rehabilitation of six schools, the construction of a recreational center, a modern market with WASH facilities, and a funeral home in Bandama, all within the Small Bo chiefdom in Kenema district. He informed Paramount Chief P.C. Darfie Benya and the stakeholders that the small Bo chiefdom has greatly benefited from the collaboration between the chiefdom stakeholders and the council, resulting in support from the central government.
Furthermore, the Chief Administrator mentioned that the council is currently working on the construction of a temporary bridge connecting St. Joseph Secondary School and the central town. This bridge has been the cause of numerous fatalities, especially among school-going children. Through engagement with the former Minister of Finance, Mr. Jacob Jusu Saffa, and Hon. Musa Moigua, the leadership of the Kenema District Council secured government funds for the construction of a bridge and two twin culverts in the central area of Blama Town.
The Chief Administrator emphasized that Jagaban's illegal attempt to demolish the council's facilities without prior notice or approval violates Sections 23 and 24 of the Local Government Act 2022. He urged Jagaban to collaborate with the council to review the structural design and bills of quantities for quality assurance. Additionally, he appealed to Paramount Chief P.C. Darfie Benya and other land-owning families to identify land for the construction of the council's administrative building and staff quarters in Blama Town.
In response, Paramount Chief P.C. Darfie Benya confirmed that Jagaban had indeed attempted to reconstruct the community center in question. However, he assured the Chief Administrator that work on the community center would be immediately suspended to evaluate the architectural design and the quality of work.
P.C. Darfie Benya commended the approach as praiseworthy, as it will promote the local economy of the chiefdom and create more job opportunities for the youth.