Chief Minister Sengeh Visits Juba Barracks, Announces Plans for Modern Military Housing

Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh on Monday visited Juba Military Barracks to assess conditions and outline plans to improve housing for members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).

He was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff, the Director General of Defence, and the Chairman of the Assets Commission.

During the visit, Dr. Sengeh confirmed that the Defence Council has approved a proposal to transform the 21-acre facility, addressing long-standing concerns over inadequate living conditions. “Across the country, only 35 percent of our military live in barracks. At Juba specifically, only 16 post-colonial units exist, with the majority being makeshift and dilapidated structures. This is unacceptable, and it’s a problem we are resolving now,” he said.

The plan includes modern officers’ quarters at Juba and a 500-unit barracks complex in Masiaka, with additional housing units planned for the northern, southern, and eastern regions. The Juba Services School will remain in its current location. The long-term goal is to increase nationwide barracks accommodation from 35 percent to 100 percent by 2030.

Dr. Sengeh highlighted the RSLAF’s broader role, noting ongoing projects including a 56-kilometer road in Tonkolili and agricultural initiatives aimed at self-sufficiency by year-end. He also cited milestones under President Julius Maada Bio, including tri-service operations, a 25 percent salary increase for personnel, and new UN Peacekeeping deployments.

The Chief Minister revealed that 21,000 young men and women have applied for 1,000 positions in the ongoing recruitment drive. He assured the public that no individual has been authorized to make payments or sign contracts related to the Juba redevelopment, emphasizing that the process will follow transparent procedures.

Officials described the visit as part of a broader effort to modernize the RSLAF, combining infrastructure upgrades with improved welfare and operational readiness for military personnel.