By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
Residents of Lungi have expressed excitement and optimism following government plans to elevate the fast-growing coastal town to city status as part of a broader national re-districting initiative.
The announcement was discussed during a special Civic Town Hall meeting in Lungi, where the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina, outlined government’s vision for the proposed transition and the strategic thinking behind the move.
Located across the Sierra Leone River estuary from Freetown, Lungi has long served as Sierra Leone’s principal international gateway through the Freetown International Airport. In recent years, the area has witnessed rapid infrastructure growth, increased private investment and expanding economic activity.
Speaking during the engagement, one teacher described the proposed city status as a historic moment for the community.
“I am very happy this is happening in my lifetime,” he said. “Lungi has the potential to become one of the best cities in Sierra Leone, even better planned than the capital.”
Minister Lamina said the proposed transition forms part of government’s wider decentralization and re-districting agenda aimed at preparing the country for future growth and improving local governance structures.
“We have to plan for the next generation,” the Minister stated. “Lungi has tremendous potential, and we now have an opportunity to deliberately build it into one of the most modern and strategic cities in the country.”
He noted that recent investments in the area are already beginning to transform Lungi into a major economic and tourism hub.
“Since the construction of the new airport facilities, we have seen growing investor confidence, particularly in hotel development, energy infrastructure and tourism-related projects,” he added.
Another resident, a woman who said she has lived in Lungi her entire life, described the proposal as long overdue.
“For many years, Lungi has been the gateway to Sierra Leone,” she said. “This is the commercial centre of this area, yet we are not even the headquarters town of Port Loko District. We deserve city status.”
Over the past several years, President Julius Maada Bio has overseen major investments in Lungi, including expansion works around the airport corridor, energy infrastructure and the development of a new international conference centre expected to become one of the largest in the region.
Global hospitality brand Hilton Hotels & Resorts has also announced plans to establish a five-star hotel in the airport area, a project expected to create jobs and stimulate local business opportunities.
Minister Lamina disclosed that the re-redistricting recommendations will be finalized and submitted to President Bio for formal consideration and announcement.
When approved, the move would grant Lungi its own city council and expanded local governance structures, allowing residents greater administrative control and development planning authority over the growing urban centre.
