By Hon. Abdul Kargbo
Minority Leader
Parliament of Sierra Leone
Juba Barracks was strategically established along the western coastline of Freetown because of its military importance. The Juba–Lumley axis sits directly on the Atlantic, providing a vantage point over key maritime routes and reinforcing coastal defense capacity. Its seaside location enables effective monitoring of maritime activity and supports timely operational response when necessary. The decision to locate the barracks there was driven by national security and logistical considerations, not by aesthetics or commercial interest.
Over time, the surrounding area has developed into what is now regarded as prime residential property. As a result, the same sea-facing location that once served a purely strategic purpose is increasingly viewed for its commercial value. This shift in perspective raises legitimate policy questions. National defense infrastructure should be assessed primarily on the basis of long-term security needs, not short-term considerations.
One justification advanced for the proposed sale is that the barracks is not in a condition befitting modern military standards. If that is the case, the appropriate policy response should be structured upgrading and modernization rather than disposal. A strategically located military facility should be improved where necessary to meet acceptable standards. I was born and raised in Lungi Garrison Barracks, and it is clear that Lungi Barracks is in a far more dilapidated condition, with unreliable water supply, inadequate sanitation facilities, and aging infrastructure. In some instances, two officers share a single apartment. These realities point to a broader national need for systematic improvement across military installations.
The public has also been presented with architectural drawings of a proposed new military facility in Masiaka, including a stadium and modern structures. While long-term planning is welcome, experience has shown that attractive renderings do not always translate into completed projects. There have been previous publicized drawings of the Lungi Bridge and an international conference center in Lungi that have yet to materialize. It is therefore reasonable to question how a new military facility with stadium would be prioritized when the rehabilitation of the national stadium has taken years, resulting in the national team playing home matches in Liberia. Sound policy requires realistic planning, fiscal discipline, and measurable delivery.
Going forward, a balanced and transparent national approach is required. Strengthening and modernizing military infrastructure across the country, including Juba, Lungi and other Barracks across the country, should be pursued through sustainable investment and clear accountability. Decisions concerning strategic facilities must prioritize long-term security, community stability, and responsible management of national assets
