Constituency 96 Wants Magistrate Court

Concord Times (Freetown)

Ibrahim Tarawallie

22 June 2011

Freetown — Newly elected Chairman of Constituency 96 in the east-end of the city has appealed for a Magistrate Court to be constructed in his community so that his people would stop working long distance to seek redress at the Law Court in central Freetown.

In an exclusive interview with Concord Times, Samuel B. Conteh affirmed that the distance to access justice from his constituency was too far, noting, “We need a Magistrate Court now”.

“I am appealing to the Chief Justice to use her good office and help us establish a Magistrate Court in this community. We are determined to fight against impunity, and to do away with injustice, domestic violence and drugs. But this should involve everyone in the constituency,” he said.

Chairman Conteh maintained that the constituency, which covers Allen Town and Jui among others, was short of police personnel to provide the necessary security for the people.

“There is urgent need for us to have adequate police presence in this community to provide security. The police post here is short of personnel, notwithstanding their readiness to carry out their operational functions effectively and efficiently,” he noted.

Mr. Conteh also pointed out that there was a need to upgrade the standard of the police post at Allen Town to that of Jui and Waterloo.

On why he decided to take the position, the veteran journalist said he has what it takes to bring the necessary changes needed in the constituency.

“Robbery is another problem for us. We will be organizing monthly meetings with stakeholders including the police to find ways of bringing down the rate of crime in the constituency. We are also mobilizing the youths to help the police fight against crime,” he maintained.

On the issues of bad roads, poor electricity and water supply, the Constituency 96 Chairman opined that they would engage the authorities concern to help solve the problems.

He also spoke about the deplorable state of the market at Allen Town, which he said pushes people to sell on the streets. “We are presently in discussion with relevant authorities to help us have a good market structure in order to minimize street trading.”

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