By – Chernor Juldeh Bah, IEC Officer – WARDC.
The Western Area Rural District Council (WARDC), under the leadership of Chairman Kasho Joseph Holland-Cole, has expressed serious concern over a court injunction that threatens the Council’s authority and its ability to effectively manage devolved resources within the district. Speaking during an emergency press conference, Chairman Holland-Cole highlighted that the injunction, issued by Justice Augustine K. Musa, has halted the Council’s operations at the No. 2 River Beach, a major tourism site that has long lacked accountability and proper management despite its immense economic potential.
Chairman Holland-Cole emphasized that the No. 2 River Beach has served as a major tourism attraction for more than two decades, yet its benefits have not been adequately reflected in national revenue or community development. He explained that the beach had been under the control of an unrecognized entity known as SANCOFAR, whose operations were marked by poor accountability and limited transparency. In response, the Council unanimously resolved in an ordinary sitting to assume direct management of the beach in accordance with the Local Government Act 2022, which designates local councils as the highest political authority with oversight over local resources and revenue generation.
Since taking a more active role in the administration of the beach, WARDC has implemented notable progress. The Council invested more than SLe 400,000 in reconstructing the main access road to the beach, established a joint bank account with the community at Sierra Leone Commercial Bank to ensure transparency in revenue management, introduced regular cleaning and sanitation activities, and supported basic social amenities within the No. 2 River community. These actions were geared toward restoring public trust, enhancing tourism, and ensuring that local youths remain productively engaged.
Despite these improvements, the Council encountered resistance from SANCOFAR, which initiated legal action without proper authority. The resulting injunction has prevented the Council from carrying out its statutory responsibilities. Chairman Holland-Cole noted that the order undermines WARDC’s lawful duties to manage devolved resources, mobilize revenue, safeguard community interests, and promote development, as outlined in Section 19(c) and Section 21 of the Local Government Act 2022.
He further warned that if the injunction remains in place, it may create a dangerous precedent that could weaken the operations of all 22 local councils in Sierra Leone. At a time when the central government is experiencing significant financial pressure, he described the ruling as not only restrictive but detrimental to effective local governance and decentralization.
Chairman Holland-Cole expressed gratitude to the Sierra Leone Police, the Office of National Security, and Members of Parliament, particularly the Deputy Speaker, for their continued support in maintaining order and upholding the law. He made a national appeal to His Excellency the President, the Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Justice, and all relevant authorities to urgently intervene and address the situation in the interest of good governance and national development.
He assured the public that WARDC remains committed to transparency, discipline, and the protection of public assets, reaffirming that the collective welfare of the residents of the Western Area Rural District will continue to guide the Council’s actions.
© WARDC COMMUNICATIONS UNIT