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On Wednesday, December 11th, 2024, the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Major General Amara Idara Bangura, officially launched the reconstruction of the long-neglected Murray Town Barracks Road during a symbolic Turning of the Sod ceremony.
The event, attended by senior RSLAF officials and representatives from the Ministry of Defence, underscored a renewed commitment to improving infrastructure within military barracks across Sierra Leone.
The CDS, Major General Bangura, emphasized his resolve to address the dilapidated road conditions that have plagued the Murray Town Barracks for over two decades.
He expressed confidence in the Armed Forces Engineering Unit, instructing them to expedite the reconstruction to ensure its completion by the end of December 2024.
He described the project as part of his broader vision to enhance the welfare of troops and their families, adding that “this initiative is just the beginning of improvements we aim to implement across all military barracks.”
The Commander of the Engineer Regiment, Colonel A.R. Bah, assured attendees that the team would work diligently to deliver the project within the stipulated timeline. He highlighted the dedication of the Engineering Unit to ensuring that RSLAF personnel enjoy a functional road network, which has long been a critical welfare concern.
In his welcoming remarks, Brigadier General Albert Jusu, Acting Commander Joint Force and 3 Infantry Brigade Commander, recounted the challenges faced by the Murray Town Barracks community over the years.
He noted that multiple efforts to secure external support for the road’s reconstruction had failed, leaving residents to contend with worsening conditions. Brigadier General Jusu commended the CDS for prioritizing the project, describing it as a much-needed intervention to address the long-standing grievances of troops and their families.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Defence, Deputy Secretary of Policy and Procurement, Mr. James Jamil Foday, conveyed the Ministry’s appreciation for the CDS’s initiative. He acknowledged that the project was long overdue and assured the Ministry’s full support in advancing similar developmental efforts. Mr. Foday further urged all stakeholders within the RSLAF to take ownership of the self-help initiative, emphasizing its significance in boosting morale and improving living conditions within the barracks.
In addition to the road reconstruction, it was revealed that the CDS has facilitated the installation of three boreholes to mitigate the persistent water shortages within the barracks. The Chief of Staff for the 3 Infantry Brigade, Colonel Henry Aaron Robin, noted that this dual initiative—addressing both water access and road infrastructure—will greatly enhance the welfare of military personnel and their dependents. He expressed gratitude to the CDS for his hands-on leadership and commitment to improving the lives of troops.
The ceremony concluded with the official turning of the sod by Major General Amara Bangura, followed by representatives from the Ministry of Defence and other senior officers. The CDS and his entourage later visited the borehole sites to inspect progress.
With a completion target set for the end of December 2024, the project stands as a testament to the CDS’s commitment to tangible and impactful reforms that benefit the men and women of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces.
