Justice System in Kongba District Crippled by Poor Infrastructure

By: Henry B. Gboluma, Jr. ‎|Gbarpolu Correspondent

‎Kumgbor Town, Gbarpolu |January 29, 2026 |The Kongba District Commissioner, Lawrence Sherbro, has raised alarm over the deplorable condition of the Kumgbor Magisterial court, the only court in the district, calling on local authorities and the government to construct a modern court building and support the justice system.

‎According to Commissioner Sherbro, the court building is in a poor state, and the owner has given the court six months’ notice to vacate the premises. He said as a result, the district has provided a one-acre land for the construction of a new court building, but support is needed to make it a reality.

‎In an interview, Magistrate Jartu Barclay highlighted the challenges faced by the court, including inadequate infrastructure, poor security, and limited resources.

‎”This is not a chamber, it is just like a storeroom,” she said, describing the current court building.

‎The district, with a population of 11,508, is located in a remote area, bordering the Republic of Sierra Leone making it difficult for the court to function effectively.

‎Magistrate Barclay explained that the court handles cases such as simple assault, death cases, and rape, but struggles to transfer cases to the Sixteen Judicial Circuit Court in Bopolu City due to lack of mobility.

‎The government has promised to support the construction of a new court building, but Magistrate Barclay emphasized the need for immediate action.

‎”We are begging them, especially when it comes to security, we do not have security yet even with my colleagues we are afraid sometimes,” she said.

‎The call for a modern court building and support for the justice system is a pressing need according to the head of the CSO, Madam Lydia Ballah. She said that the current situation undermines the rule of law and is denying justice to the people of Kongba District.

‎The district is located about six hours’ drive from Bopolu City, making it difficult for people to access justice.