19/07/2025
Government Commissions Ultra-Modern Community Centre in Blama Town, Small Bo Chiefdom
By Philip Koroma
The Government of Sierra Leone has officially turned the sod for the construction of an ultra-modern community centre in Blama Town, Small Bo Chiefdom, Kenema District.
The project, funded by the central government and implemented through the Kenema District Council was celebrated by community leaders, local authorities and government officials as a major step toward inclusive development.
In her welcome statement, the Paramount Chief of Small Bo Chiefdom, *P.C Mrs.Amy Miatta MyersBenya* said the project marks a turning point for the chiefdom that will bring people together, support social programmes and serve as a centre for community growth.
She expressed deep appreciation to the government of Sierra Leone for prioritising rural development and praised the Kenema District Council for ensuring community involvement in the process.
She called on the community to take full ownership of the facility as the centre when completed will serve as a hub for meetings, education, youth activities and women’s empowerment.
The Chairperson of Kenema District Council, *Madam Francess Jambawai* described the reconstruction of the ultra-modern community centre as a symbol of progress, inclusivity and the government’s commitment to the welfare of its people.
She said the building is not just a structure but a symbol of unity, progress and the government's commitment to grassroots development.
She thanked the people of Blama for their cooperation and patience and assured them that council will continue to undertake more development projects in the chiefdom with the availability of funds.
The Chief Administrator of Kenema district council *Ahmed Shekuba Koroma* in his brief history of the project said the initiative was born out of council's commitment to strengthening community participation and decentralised governance.
He said the ultra-modern community centre is one of several projects Kenema District Council has rolled out in the Small Bo chiefdom that aligns with government’s decentralisation agenda.
He said the reconstruction of the ultra-modern community centre focuses on community needs, accountability and sustainability before commending the teamwork behind the success and urged everyone to take ownership.
C.A Koroma maintained that what they are witnessing today is more than infrastructure but a transformation and called on the community to support and monitor the ongoing reconstruction to ensure standard job is done.
He said the reconstruction of the ultra-modern community is a renewal of purpose ,of hope and council's commitment to inclusive development at the community level.
He said the government is constructing the ultra-modern community centre with the goal of providing a safe and functional space for community meetings,youth and womens program,training workshops and cultural activities.
C.A Koroma emphasized that the facility when completed belongs to the people of Blama and must serve as a beacon of progress for all.
He thanked the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs for providing the resources and called for collective responsibility in maintaining the centre for a long-term benefit.
Delivering the keynote address, the minister of local government and community affairs, *Amb.Tamba Lamina* praised the collaboration between the government and the local council as the ultra-modern community centre when completed will reflect President Bio’s vision for an empowered and self-reliant Sierra Leone starting at the community level.
He emphasized that decentralisation is a key pillar of national development and assured the community of the government’s continued support for rural transformation.
He said ultra-modern facility includes a multi-purpose hall, administrative offices, a stage and a solar-powered borehole, making it one of the most advanced centres in the region.
This community centre is a practical demonstration of President Bio’s vision for decentralised governance that touches lives directly.
I congratulate the council and the people of Blama.
The government remains committed to supporting rural development across Sierra Leone.
The event ended with a cultural performance and pouring of libation to mark the joyous occasion. praised the collaboration between the government and the local council as the ultra-modern community centre when completed will reflect President Bio’s vision for an empowered and self-reliant Sierra Leone starting at the community level.
He emphasized that decentralisation is a key pillar of national development and assured the community of the government’s continued support for rural transformation.
He said ultra-modern facility includes a multi-purpose hall, administrative offices, a stage and a solar-powered borehole, making it one of the most advanced centres in the region.
He maintained that the ultra-modern community centre is a practical demonstration of President Bio’s vision for decentralised governance that touches lives directly and therefore congratulated the council and the people of Blama for their patience and support to development programs.
He said the government remains committed to supporting rural development across Sierra Leone and encouragement the people of Blama to refrain participating in activities that would undermine the smooth implementation of the project.
The project is been implemented by Unique Solutions.
The event ended with a cultural performance and pouring of libation to mark the joyous occasion.
