By: Kadiatu Bash Kamara
The Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Amb. Tamba Lamina, has outlined the rationale, benefits and opportunities associated with redistricting and the establishment of new localities in Sierra Leone, highlighting the importance of strengthening local governance and improving service delivery across the country. He made these remarks during the Weekly Press Briefing hosted by Mohamed Jaward Nyallay, Strategic Communications Adviser, at the Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. The briefing focused on how redistricting and the creation of new localities could improve administrative efficiency, promote balanced development and bring government services closer to communities.
Minister Lamina explained that the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs plays a central role in coordinating local authorities, supporting community development and ensuring that local governance structures function effectively. He noted that the organisation of local administrative areas must respond to changing population patterns, geographical realities and the growing needs of communities. According to him, reviewing existing boundaries and establishing new localities are important considerations in ensuring that local authorities can perform their responsibilities more efficiently and respond to the concerns of residents.
The Minister also highlighted the legal and administrative framework governing local government in Sierra Leone, referring to the Local Government Act of 2004 and its subsequent amendment in 2022. He explained that decisions relating to the establishment of new localities require appropriate procedures, consultations and coordination among relevant government institutions. Such processes are necessary to ensure that proposed changes are properly assessed and that administrative decisions are supported by the required legal instruments and official approvals.
Addressing the question of how new localities are established, Amb. Lamina indicated that the process involves consideration of several factors, including population size, geographical boundaries, administrative needs and the capacity of communities to support effective local governance. He further emphasised the importance of collaboration with relevant ministries and institutions, particularly those responsible for planning, finance and other aspects of public administration. These considerations help inform decisions on the designation of localities, the organisation of administrative structures and the distribution of responsibilities among local authorities.
On the potential benefits of redistricting, the Minister explained that appropriately organised administrative boundaries could improve access to public services and strengthen communication between communities and government institutions. He noted that when localities are structured to reflect the needs of their populations, local authorities may be better positioned to identify development priorities, coordinate public programmes and respond to community concerns. The creation of new administrative centres could also reduce the difficulties residents face when travelling long distances to access government services, depending on the location and capacity of the facilities established.
Minister Lamina further discussed the relationship between local governance, infrastructure development and economic opportunities. He indicated that establishing new localities could create opportunities for improved planning, infrastructure investment and the development of markets and other essential facilities. Better administrative organisation could also support the delivery of services in communities that have experienced limited access to public resources. However, he stressed the importance of considering the practical requirements of new localities, including staffing, funding, infrastructure and clearly defined administrative responsibilities, to ensure that new structures can function effectively.
The Minister also drew attention to the need for careful assessment of existing local government arrangements, particularly in areas where population growth and expanding communities may place additional demands on administrative institutions. He explained that redistricting should be approached through a process that considers the circumstances of affected communities and the wider objectives of national development. Consultation and coordination among relevant stakeholders remain important to ensuring that changes to administrative boundaries are understood and that the needs of residents are taken into account. Effective implementation would also require adequate resources and sustained institutional support.
In conclusion, Amb. Tamba Lamina reaffirmed the importance of strengthening local governance through appropriate administrative arrangements, effective planning and improved engagement with communities. He emphasised that redistricting and the establishment of new localities should be considered in terms of their potential to improve service delivery, encourage development and make local government more responsive to citizens. The Weekly Press Briefing provided an opportunity to discuss these issues and examine how changes to local administrative structures could contribute to more accessible and effective governance across Sierra Leone.
