A political commentary published by The Organiser has criticised the conduct of Western Area Rural District Council Chairman Kasho J. Holland-Cole during a recent interview on Ecko Media Television, focusing on questions raised about road rehabilitation projects in the district.
The article, written by John Bairoh in Finland, described Holland-Cole’s performance during the discussion as unprofessional and confrontational. It said the interview centred on development projects in the Western Area Rural District, including a reported 15-kilometre road rehabilitation project.
During the programme, King Kapri Thaliay Bah, executive director of Road Safety Watch Sierra Leone, raised concerns about the reported project and allegations of irregularities involving the Waterloo Council, according to the commentary.
The writer said Bah maintained his position during the discussion, while Holland-Cole challenged the claims. The article criticised the council chairman’s responses, arguing that elected officials should address questions about public projects directly.
Holland-Cole serves as chairman of the Western Area Rural District Council and as the All People’s Congress (APC) Western Regional Chairman.
The criticism comes amid wider public scrutiny of local government performance, infrastructure delivery and the management of public resources. Questions surrounding incomplete road projects are particularly relevant to residents who depend on local infrastructure for transportation, trade and access to services.
However, the claims concerning the 15-kilometre road project and alleged irregularities were not independently established in the commentary. The publication did not provide project documents, procurement records or an official audit to substantiate them.
The article also did not include a separate response from Holland-Cole to the specific allegations raised by Bah.
The commentary concluded by calling for greater accountability and professionalism among political and local government leaders, arguing that public office holders should be prepared to explain decisions and projects to the communities they serve.
