Amb. Lamina Outlines Procedures for Establishing New Localities in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba Lamina, has outlined the legal and administrative procedures involved in establishing new localities, emphasising the need for proper consultations, institutional coordination and careful assessment before such decisions are made.
Lamina made the remarks during the Weekly Press Briefing hosted by Strategic Communications Adviser Mohamed Jaward Nyallay at the Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, where he discussed redistricting and the potential creation of new localities across the country.
The Minister explained that decisions to establish new localities must be guided by several factors, including population size, geographical boundaries, administrative needs and the capacity to manage local affairs effectively.
He stressed that the process requires adherence to established legal and administrative procedures, with relevant government institutions working together to assess proposals and ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place.
Lamina also highlighted the importance of collaboration with ministries and institutions responsible for planning and finance to determine the administrative and financial requirements associated with creating new localities.
He referred to the Local Government Act of 2004, as amended in 2022, as part of the legal framework governing local administration, noting that appropriate procedures must be followed when considering changes to existing administrative structures.
The Minister further underscored the need to consult affected communities and other stakeholders to ensure that proposed changes reflect local circumstances, population needs and broader national development priorities.
According to Lamina, establishing new localities could improve access to government services, strengthen communication between residents and local authorities, and support more effective development planning.
However, he noted that such initiatives would require adequate funding, staffing, infrastructure and clearly defined administrative responsibilities to ensure that newly established localities can operate effectively.
He maintained that proper planning, sufficient resources and sustained institutional support would be essential to ensuring that any changes to local administrative boundaries deliver meaningful improvements in governance and public service delivery.
The remarks highlight the importance of legal compliance, stakeholder consultation and institutional preparedness in considering proposals to establish new localities in Sierra Leone.
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