EU Funds Pujehun’s first Ultra-Modern Guesthouse and Community Facilities
These transformative infrastructure projects, including the guesthouse, modern markets, community centers, and rehabilitated markets, have been made possible through funding from the European Union in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and the Pujehun District Council under the “Support to Civil Society and Local Authorities for Local Development in Sierra Leone” programme.
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The 10-bedroom guest house is fully furnished and has a restaurant and a standby generator. The new conference center comfortably accommodates 350 people, all seated. It is located on Komala Road, in the heart of the district headquarters town. The facilities are available to provide modern comfort and safety to the public while generating the required revenue for the district council.
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The ultra-modern guest house fulfills a crucial need for proper accommodation in the district. It will cater to visitors and tourists, thereby boosting the hospitality sector while serving as a significant source of revenue generation for the council. The community centers will also function as hubs for social gatherings, educational activities, and skill-building programs, fostering community cohesion and development.
"The EU remains committed to supporting Sierra Leonean initiatives that enhance public service delivery and empower local authorities to drive sustainable development,” said EU Ambassador Manuel Müller. These investments represent the EU’s ongoing dedication to supporting Sierra Leone in its efforts to foster growth and prosperity for the people.”
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Echoing his sentiments, Julius I.K Foday ESQ., the EU Cooperation Manager for programme added, “We are grateful to the commitment of government officials, civil society organizations, and other partners to ensure that every town helps the country reach its development target.”
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The Chief Administrator of Pujehun District Council, Sahr Emmanuel Yambasu, said they cannot appreciate the EU enough for all its investment and administrative support to the Pujehun District. “The Council’s human capacity has been developed immensely in project management, financial management, procurement, monitoring & evaluation, and many more. The logistical support includes motorbikes, vehicles, electronics, furniture, etc. The people are happy. They are hopeful. We are happy too. No more visitors will run away to the neighboring district to pass the night; we can conveniently host them here. All of them. We now have a responsibility to build on these opportunities and do more”
The ultramodern guesthouse and conference hall in Pujehun town will boost tourism and economic growth; the newly constructed market stalls for women in Bandajuma, Jendema, Gbondapi, Fonima and Pujehun Town will boost household income; the constructed community centers in Sahn Malen and Bandajuma Sowa will enhance social cohesion; the construction and repairs of WASH facilities in many communities have boosted access to safe drinking water, which is crucial for economic and social development; solar kiosks in eight villages will increase rural energy independence, local economic resilience and catastrophe readiness.
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Capacity and infrastructural support make the council’s service delivery more resilient; feeder roads, bridges, and culverts have connected communities to markets, education, healthcare, and many more opportunities. These EU-funded initiatives should be maintained and utilized to improve lives. This will advance communal, financial, organizational, and economic development.
Mamie Sowa, an elderly fish seller with 37 years of experience and a proud native of Pujehun, sees a remarkable transformation unfolding in her district. “We are happy to see the town opening up now, and things are happening. For the longest time, this place [where I stand now for this interview] was a big bush not used for anything. Now, we’re enjoying the water points to freely meet our needs, the bridges and culverts have replaced canoes and all the risks they come with, and we enjoy the new markets to sell fish and other commodities.”
The EU-funded Support to Civil Society and Local Authorities for Local Development in Sierra Leone project aims to empower district councils to drive good governance and sustainable development. By enhancing institutional capacity and local revenue generation, the program enables district councils to expand access to essential services, promote sustainable practices, and stimulate economic growth.