By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has on Thursday 28th August 2025, reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to transforming communities through inclusive and sustainable development. Speaking at a well-attended ceremony in Devil Hole, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh officially commissioned the newly constructed Kombra Market, a project spearheaded by the Kombra Foundation in collaboration with local stakeholders and the China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG).
The Vice President described the initiative as a timely response to the needs of women traders in the community, providing them with a safe, hygienic and well-structured space to conduct their businesses. “This community is one that I frequent and after several requests for support, I worked with partners to ensure that women business owners could access a proper marketplace,” Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh explained.
Beyond the establishment of the market, the Vice President revealed that the project also enabled the completion of a school that had been started by the local community. He praised the resilience and determination of residents in initiating development efforts despite resource challenges, describing their vision as the driving force behind the project.
“The community deserves credit for this achievement. This was your initiative and I thank you for your steadfast support,” Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh told residents, emphasizing that true development is best achieved through partnerships between Government, communities and the private sector.
Representatives of Devil Hole expressed profound gratitude for the market noting that it will not only enhance the trading environment but also improve livelihoods, particularly for women who form the backbone of small-scale commerce in the area.
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh highlighted the broader impact of the project stressing that initiatives of that kind embody the Government’s vision for people-centered development. “This market is more than just a trading space. It is a platform for women’s empowerment, economic growth and community resilience,” he stated.
The Kombra Market stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when communities, development partners and Government work hand in hand. The Vice President expressed pride in the project’s outcome noting that it represents a model for addressing everyday needs while promoting social inclusion.
With the commissioning of the market and the completion of the school, Devil Hole is now poised to benefit from stronger educational opportunities and a thriving local economy, setting an example for other communities across Sierra Leone.
