By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone – December 2025: The Western Area Rural District Council (WARDC), led by Chairman Kasho Holland-Cole, has expressed concern over a court injunction that has halted its management of the No. 2 River Beach, one of Sierra Leone’s most popular tourism sites.
The injunction, issued by Justice Augustine K. Musa, restrains WARDC from exercising authority over the beach. Chairman Holland-Cole argues that the site has long suffered from mismanagement and poor accountability under a group known as SANCOFAR.
Council’s Intervention
Acting under the Local Government Act 2022, WARDC assumed control of the beach earlier this year, citing its mandate to manage local resources and generate revenue for development. The Council reports several improvements since taking over, including:
- Investment of SLe 400,000 to repair the main access road
- Establishment of a joint bank account with the community for transparent revenue handling
- Enhanced sanitation measures
- Support for social amenities
Legal Challenge
Despite these gains, SANCOFAR contested WARDC’s authority in court, leading to the current injunction. Chairman Holland-Cole warned that if the ruling stands, it could undermine decentralization and weaken all 22 local councils across Sierra Leone, particularly during a period of national financial strain.
Call for Intervention
The Chairman extended appreciation to security and government partners for their support and appealed to the President, Parliament, and the judiciary to intervene. He reaffirmed WARDC’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of public assets in the interest of community welfare.