The Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has turned the sod for the reconstruction of the Hockey Pitch at Wilberforce Barracks, where he reaffirmed government’s support to the Army.

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 NLe30 million, covering the pitch, VIP pavilion, car park, and toilets.

Minister Rahman Swaray who represented His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, as keynote speaker eulogized the Army and assured of the Government’s continued support aimed at capacitating the institution.

He mentioned existing projects implemented by the government of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to improve the infrastructural outlook of the Army, recalling when His Excellency visited the former Officers Mess in its deplorable state and immediately committed to construct for Warrant Officers and Junior Non-Commissioned Officers a grand and more befitting edifice, just as he did for the Officers.

“Today, the new Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess stands as a testament to His Excellency’s unwavering commitment to cater to the dire needs of our service men and women who daily compromise personal comfort and safety to safeguard this country.

Therefore, as long as this administration remains in charge of state administration, we will continue to cater to the well-being of our soldiers and boost their morale for the security of this nation,” Minister Swaray assured.

He catalogued 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.

Deputy Minister of Defence, Col. Muana Brima Massaquoi, expressed his happiness to see the project come to fruition. He informed me that the project would be implemented by the RSLAF Engineering Department with equipment procured by the Government of Sierra Leone.

The Chief of Defense Staff – RSLAF, Lieutenant General Patrick K. 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.

The Army Chief thanked all those who have supported the project, particularly acknowledging the Government’s financial commitment.

The program climaxed with the turning of the sod by the Guest of Honour, Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray, and other top Military officials.