Local Government Minister Explains Benefits of Creating New Localities
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba Lamina, has outlined how redistricting could improve access to public services and strengthen local administration.
Lamina spoke during the Weekly Press Briefing hosted by Mohamed Jaward Nyallay at the Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. He explained the rationale for redistricting and establishing new localities, highlighting the need to consider population size, geographical boundaries, administrative requirements and the capacity to manage local affairs effectively.
The Minister emphasised the importance of following established legal and administrative procedures, including consultations and coordination among relevant institutions, before approving new localities.
According to Lamina, redistricting could bring public services closer to communities, improve communication between residents and local authorities, and support more effective development planning. He added that the process could reduce the distances people travel to access essential services while creating opportunities for improved infrastructure and market access.
However, he noted that creating new localities would require more than changing administrative boundaries. Adequate staffing, funding, infrastructure and clearly defined responsibilities would be necessary to ensure that the new administrative structures function effectively.
Lamina also stressed the need to review existing local government structures and consult affected communities to ensure that proposed changes address their needs.
He referred to the Local Government Act of 2004, as amended in 2022, as part of the legal framework governing local administration and the establishment of new localities.
The Minister maintained that the success of redistricting would depend on effective planning, adequate resources and proper implementation to ensure tangible improvements in public service delivery and local governance.
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