On Tuesday, November 6, 2023, the Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, emphatically restated the government’s unwavering dedication to bolstering the Army.

He marked this commitment by commencing the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the military Hockey Pitch at Wilberforce Barracks.

The Hockey Pitch reconstruction is a self-help project undertaken by the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to uplift the Military’s infrastructure. It is estimated by the Military Engineering Regiment to cost around NLe 30 million, covering the pitch, VIP pavilion, car park, and toilets.

The minister rolled out the Presidnet’s commitment to total development in every sector in the country as he gave the six state-of-the-art Forward Patrol Bases between 2021 and 2022, the Myohaung Officers Mess and its befitting accommodation for Junior Officers, the Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess, the acquisition of construction equipment, and the massive construction project currently ongoing at the 34 Military Hospital courtesy of the Office of the First Lady, among the many projects implemented by the Government of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to empower the Military.

The Chief of Defense Staff – RSLAF, Lieutenant General PK Lavahun, described the project as a milestone in providing a befitting parade ground for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces. He disclosed that the expected date of completion will be the first quarter of 2024 and thanked all those who have supported the project, particularly acknowledging the Government’s financial commitment.