FREETOWN, 14th October 2026 – Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba Lamina, says government’s plan to embark on redistricting and the creation of new localities is driven by the need to respond to changing population dynamics and to make governance more effective.
Minister Lamina gave the explanation during the Weekly Government Press Briefing at the Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday, hosted by Strategic Communications Adviser Mohamed Jaward Nyallay.
He told journalists that the Ministry is at the centre of coordinating local councils and ensuring community development, and that administrative boundaries must evolve to meet current realities.
“The organisation of local administrative areas must respond to changing population patterns, geographical realities and the growing needs of communities,” the Minister said.
According to him, Sierra Leone has witnessed significant population growth and expansion of communities which are putting additional demands on existing local government structures.
The Minister cited the Local Government Act of 2004 as amended in 2022 as the legal basis for any boundary review and establishment of new localities.
He stressed that such a process requires proper assessment, consultations and coordination with relevant institutions, including those responsible for planning and finance.
He outlined key considerations that inform the creation of new localities, including population size, geography, administrative convenience and the capacity of the community to sustain effective local governance.
On why it matters, Amb. Lamina said that when localities are properly structured, councils are better able to identify development priorities, coordinate programmes and respond to citizens’ concerns.
“Better administrative organisation could support delivery of services in communities that have experienced limited access to public resources,” he noted.
He added that the creation of new administrative centres would also reduce travel difficulties for residents, create opportunities for infrastructure investment, and facilitate the development of markets and other essential facilities.
The Minister, however, cautioned that redistricting should not be rushed. He said adequate resources, staffing and clearly defined responsibilities are required for new structures to function effectively.
He concluded that redistricting and creation of new localities should be seen as part of broader efforts to make local government more accessible, responsive and development-oriented.
