The Ambassador of the European Union to Sierra Leone, Manuel Müller, the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Amb. Tamba Lamin, and representatives from the Kenema District Council have inaugurated a Multi-Purpose Hall and a Funeral Home that will benefit the community and the Council in its revenue mobilisation.

This project is part of the ongoing Support to Civil Society and Local Authorities for Local Development in Sierra Leone. It is funded by the European Union to foster local development while enhancing service delivery, promoting decentralisation and contributing to local revenue generation and sustainable development.

This initiative builds on a strong collaboration between the EU and Kenema District Council, aligning with the Country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan.

Multipurpose hall interior

The private sector will manage all the facilities, allowing efficient and sustainable service delivery to the people while mobilising revenues to support the District Council’s other initiatives for the people of Kenema.

The EU’s intervention goes beyond infrastructure, providing vital resources to the District Council, such as office equipment, training, energy supply, vehicles, harvest storage facilities, and water and sanitation facilities for the host communities.

Ambassador Manuel Müller said, “This partnership signifies our commitment to fostering development and prosperity in the Kenema District. The European Union is proud to contribute to projects that empower local communities.”

The Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Amb. Tamba Lamina appreciated the EU for its support to local councils over the years. “The government [of Sierra Leone] is grateful for the capacity developed in service delivery, revenue generation, agricultural practices and many other fields, which is not just improving the council’s output, but also the quality of life for community people.” He also stated the EU project, which was very big on including community people from the conceptualization, has taught a useful lesson: “It is better done when the people are involved.”

Kenema has set an exemplary precedent in implementing this EU Support to Civil Society and Local Authorities for Local Development in Sierra Leone project, from which other districts should learn.

The Kenema District Council Chairman, Mohamed O-Bai Sesay, stated, “The people of Kenema are happy about the improvement brought about by the project. The success is not just a win for Kenema but the whole Eastern region. Kailahun and Kono districts now have a befitting burial service for the dead without going to Bo or Freetown. We are grateful for the EU for its support in our district.”

A resident of Kenema District expressed excitement, “As a resident of Kenema District, I am excited about the positive changes these projects will bring to our community.”

The EU-funded Support to Civil Society and Local Authorities for Local Development in Sierra Leone project is a 6-year initiative that promotes service delivery, infrastructural development, and capacity development, and it is implemented by DAI. The project covers 6 District Councils (Kenema, Bombali, Falaba, Kambia, Karene, and Pujehun). The project aims to position local councils to generate revenue internally, driving development and improving the lives of their communities.