Tuesday, 13th October 2026
Venue: Miatta Civic Centre
Key Highlights
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Introduction:
The Government Weekly Press Briefing focused on redistricting and the establishment of new localities in Sierra Leone, highlighting efforts to strengthen decentralisation, bring governance closer to citizens and promote balanced development. Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs Amb. Tamba Lamina, Paramount Chief Marima Jaward Tamia, Director of Local Government Brima Newman Combey and Director of the Decentralization Secretariat Alex Bhonapha discussed the administrative changes, funding opportunities and preparations required to ensure effective local governance.
Government Establishes New Councils and Localities
Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs Amb. Tamba Lamina announced new administrative arrangements aimed at improving local governance and service delivery. Freetown now has two councils: Freetown City Council and Freetown West City Council. The Western Rural Area has also been reorganised into three councils: Waterloo Rural Council, Mountain Rural Council and York Rural Council.
The Minister further announced the establishment of Lungi City, describing it as an important gateway city. He also highlighted the creation of Bandajuma and Panguema districts, with Zimmi and Panguema Town designated as their respective headquarters.
Briwa and Briwa Limba Chiefdoms Established
Minister Tamba Lamina also highlighted the establishment of two chiefdoms in Briwa, Bombali District: Briwa Chiefdom and Briwa Limba Chiefdom. He explained that the decision takes into account differences in culture and tradition, allowing the communities to have distinct traditional administrative structures.
Legal Framework and Community Development
Minister Lamina referenced the Local Government Act of 2004 and its 2022 amendment as part of the legal framework governing local administration. He stressed the importance of appropriate procedures, consultations and coordination in reorganising administrative boundaries and establishing new localities.
He explained that properly planned administrative structures can improve access to public services, support infrastructure development, strengthen local economic activities and make government more responsive to community needs. He also underscored the importance of adequate staffing, funding and clearly defined responsibilities to ensure the sustainability of the new arrangements.
New Districts to Bring Development Closer to Communities
Paramount Chief Marima Jaward Tamia welcomed the establishment of the new districts, describing it as a positive step towards bringing governance closer to the people. He said the new administrative arrangements could create opportunities for development, improve access to government services and support job creation for residents of the affected areas.
Local Councils to Strengthen Revenue Generation
Director of Local Government Brima Newman Combey emphasised the importance of improving revenue generation within local councils to support their operations and development responsibilities. He assured citizens that, despite the challenges associated with administering the new councils, Government is prepared to support their establishment and effective functioning.
Decentralisation Requires Sustainable Funding and Partnerships
Director of the Decentralization Secretariat Alex Bhonapha stressed that effective local governance depends on reliable funding, strong institutional capacity and proper financial management. He identified internally generated revenue, including property rates and licences, as important sources of income for local councils.
He also highlighted the role of government grants and development partners, including the European Union, in supporting local development initiatives. He noted that combining these funding sources would help councils finance essential services and respond more effectively to community needs.
Administrative Preparation Key to Effective Governance
Alex Bhonapha further emphasised that establishing new districts, councils and localities requires more than defining boundaries. Adequate infrastructure, administrative facilities, trained personnel and effective financial management systems must be in place to ensure that the new structures function efficiently.
He called for coordination among the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, the Decentralization Secretariat and other relevant institutions to strengthen institutional readiness and ensure that decentralisation translates into tangible development benefits for citizens.
Announcement
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education will host a Townhall focusing on redistricting and census on the 20th October 2026 at the Waterloo District Council Hall. This is part of the government’s broader effort to take citizens along the process and sensitize them on critical issues.
© Ministry of Information and Civic Education
