By: Zacharia Jalloh, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
The Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina, has disclosed that as part of the ongoing national redistricting process, the capital city, Freetown, will be administered through three localities while fully retaining its status as Sierra Leone’s capital. He made the disclosure on the third day of the Salone Civic Festival, on December 13, 2025, at the Miatta Civic Centre.
Speaking to clarify widespread misconceptions surrounding the creation of new districts, cities, and localities, Minister Lamina emphasized that Freetown is not being divided. Rather, the administrative structure of the Western Urban District will be expanded into three localities to ensure more effective governance and service delivery.
He explained that the Freetown City Council has faced persistent challenges, including limited revenue generation capacity, administrative overload associated with managing the capital city, and a longstanding disconnect between the eastern, central, and western parts of the city. To address these issues, Freetown will now be organized into three administrative localities, namely, East, Central, and West.
Minister Lamina further revealed that the Western Area Rural District will similarly be structured into three administrative localities, while the district itself remains intact. He noted that the objective is to strengthen district management and enhance service delivery at the grassroots level.
Underscoring that the approach is not unprecedented, the Minister pointed out that several districts, including Port Loko, Bombali, and Kenema, already operate with multiple councils while maintaining their original district boundaries.
In addition, the Minister announced that new districts and a city will be created under the redistricting exercise. Bandajuma District will be carved out of parts of Bo and Pujehun Districts, while Kpanguma District will emerge from sections of Kailahun and Kenema Districts. He also disclosed that Lungi, home to Sierra Leone’s international airport, will be upgraded to city status in recognition of its strategic importance and growing economic potential.
Minister Lamina informed the audience that nationwide consultations and stakeholder engagements are ongoing, and that a draft report containing recommendations is ready for submission to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio. He assured that the creation of new localities will not affect the tenure of the current Mayor of Freetown or the Chairman of the Western Area Rural District, as the new administrative structures are intended for future implementation.
The Minister described the redistricting initiative as part of a broader government effort to strengthen governance and improve service delivery across the country. By bringing councils closer to communities, he said, the government aims to ensure that local administrations are more responsive to the needs and aspirations of residents. He added that smaller administrative units are also expected to enhance revenue mobilization by making it easier for councils to engage and reach residents effectively.
