Sierra Leone's Judiciary has secured a more reliable water supply at the Main Law Courts in Freetown with the commissioning of a newly constructed borehole funded by Leone Rock Metal Group. The facility was commissioned on November 3, 2026, by Chief Justice Komba Kamanda. The project aims to improve sanitation, hygiene, and working conditions for judicial officers, court employees, and members of the public. The borehole's construction addresses a significant challenge faced by the Judiciary.

Chief Justice Komba Kamanda identified the lack of reliable water as a major challenge upon assuming office. The shortage affected basic sanitary facilities and made maintaining proper hygiene within the court premises difficult. Kamanda emphasized that "water is life" and that the borehole will restore the dignity of everyone working in the Judiciary, including court users. He expressed gratitude to Leone Rock Metal Group for supporting the project and hoped for similar assistance to reach other court facilities across Freetown.

Chief Justice Kamanda stressed that Leone Rock Metal Group's contribution would not affect the Judiciary's independence or its responsibility to administer justice without external influence. He made it clear that the company's gesture would not compromise their independence in the administration of justice. Providing a suitable working environment is essential to protecting the dignity, comfort, and well-being of those involved in the justice system, Kamanda added.

Svetlana Goujon, head of legal and risk management at Leone Rock Metal Group, described the project as an investment in the welfare of people responsible for upholding the rule of law. Goujon explained that her visits to several court facilities exposed serious gaps in access to adequate water and sanitary services. This prompted the company to support the intervention at the Main Law Courts. She welcomed the Judiciary's management for embracing the initiative.

The completed borehole is expected to help address the facility's water supply challenges. Goujon said the project represented more than the provision of water infrastructure. Leone Rock Metal Group considers it part of their Corporate Social Responsibility. The company is happy that the project has become a reality, and the borehole will improve the working conditions at the Main Law Courts.

The Deputy Master and Registrar, Huliamatu Christian-Moses, delivered the welcome address at the commissioning ceremony. The event marked a significant milestone in the Judiciary's efforts to improve its facilities. The borehole's construction demonstrates the importance of partnerships between the Judiciary and private sector organizations like Leone Rock Metal Group.

The Judiciary's initiative to improve its facilities is ongoing. The commissioning of the borehole is a step towards addressing the challenges faced by the Judiciary. The project sets a precedent for future collaborations between the Judiciary and private sector organizations.

Key points

  • The Leone Rock Metal Group funded the construction of a borehole to address the water shortage at the Main Law Courts in Freetown.
  • The project aims to improve sanitation, hygiene, and working conditions for judicial officers, court employees, and members of the public.
  • The Judiciary's independence in the administration of justice is not compromised by Leone Rock Metal Group's contribution.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.