Chief Justice Receives Designs for New Waterloo Judicial Complex

The Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has officially received the architectural designs for a new judicial complex in Waterloo, marking a key milestone in the Judiciary’s 2026 infrastructure expansion and decentralization initiative.

Located in the Western Rural District, the proposed facility will house one High Court and three Magistrates’ Courts. The project aims to reduce congestion at Freetown’s main Law Courts and improve access to justice for residents outside the capital.

During the official handover at his chambers, Chief Justice Kamanda described the project as timely and transformative. He reaffirmed his commitment to expanding judicial services nationwide, noting that the Waterloo courts will decongest existing courts and strengthen the Judiciary’s decentralization efforts.

“This is a promising year for the Judiciary. Expanding access to justice remains a top priority, and the establishment of these courts in Waterloo will significantly reduce the pressure on our central Law Courts,” Justice Kamanda stated.

Engineer Paul Bockarie, Chief Director at the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, revealed that the groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The construction contract has been awarded to Afkam Construction Sierra Leone Limited. He further confirmed that procurement for the York Magistrate’s Court is complete, with construction already underway in other districts, including Kambia, Kabala, Port Loko, and Mongo.

Contractor Mr. Abdul F. Kanu provided technical details, explaining that the Waterloo complex will feature standard exhibit rooms, specialized courtrooms for juvenile and sexual offence cases, a security post, a borehole for sustainable water supply, and adequate parking. Site clearance has commenced, with full construction expected to be completed within twelve months.

The Waterloo judicial complex forms part of the Judiciary’s broader effort to modernize court infrastructure, ensuring faster, fairer, and more accessible justice for all Sierra Leoneans.