Inhabitants of Pujehun, a district headquarters town in Sierra Leone, are raising their voices in a collective call for the provision of essential social amenities to inject vibrancy into their community. The town, despite being a district hub, grapples with the absence of key facilities that contribute to a lively and engaging environment.

One glaring deficit in Pujehun is the absence of a standard hall capable of hosting large gatherings, such as disco jams and social events. This void in communal spaces hampers the residents’ ability to organize and participate in various activities, hindering the town’s social life.

The current District Council administration under the leadership of Foday Kandeh Rogers as Chairman has decided to construct a clocktower which is very necessary but other schools of thought have also suggested that the council should embark on constructing a Hall for social events which could also generate revenue for the council than constructing a clocktower. The authorities are yet to respond to the suggestion.

Compounding the situation, Pujehun faces a glaring issue with the lack of electricity supply. Despite being a district headquarters, the town remains in the dark, posing challenges to both daily life and potential economic activities.

The absence of recreational centers exacerbates the residents’ plight. Pujehun relies on a limited number of bars and restaurants, including establishments like Home Sports Bar and Restaurant, Mugomeh Bar and Restaurant, and Eagles Square Complex. The scarcity of recreational spots stifles the community’s social dynamics, leaving only Wednesdays as a vibrant night when Eagles Square Complex hosts the popular ladies’ night, drawing in hundreds of attendees from within and beyond the township. The town has limited guest houses and no hotel to accommodate visitors.

Pujehun, despite being home to individuals holding influential positions within the government, faces a lack of support, particularly in the social sector. Many indigenes of the district have risen to prominent positions, but only a few extend their assistance to uplift the social fabric of Pujehun.

The Pujehun District Entertainment Association (PuDEA), a local umbrella association, finds itself grappling with financial constraints in its efforts to organize entertainment activities. While Pujehun boasts a significant number of stakeholders, only a handful extend support to PuDEA, hindering the association’s capacity to foster a vibrant cultural scene in the district.

Visitors, too, face challenges as the lack of social amenities makes it difficult for them to integrate into the town’s social life. The dearth of entertainment options and communal spaces leaves Pujehun struggling to attract and retain residents and visitors alike.

Despite the rich cultural tapestry of the district, only a limited number of individuals invest in the entertainment sector. This gap further contributes to the town’s subdued social atmosphere, limiting opportunities for economic growth and community engagement.

As the residents unite in their plea for improved social amenities, it remains to be seen how swiftly the relevant authorities will address these deficiencies and breathe new life into the vibrant community of Pujehun.