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A new public opinion poll by the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) reveals strong public resistance to the Government’s proposal to divide Freetown into multiple local councils and highlights residents’ urgent demands for improved electricity and clearer management of funeral processions.
The IGR survey interviewed 1,072 adult residents between 9 and 12 October 2025 to measure awareness of the division proposal and attitudes toward city governance, electricity supply, and funeral procession controls. Only 32 percent of respondents said they had heard of the proposal to split the capital. Among those aware of the plan, 62 percent either disagreed or strongly disagreed with it. When asked about governance preferences, 57 percent wanted the Freetown City Council (FCC) to remain undivided, 30 percent preferred smaller councils under FCC supervision, and 13 percent supported full decentralisation.
A clear majority of residents reported better power supply compared with the previous year, with 76 percent saying electricity provision had improved and notable gains reported in the city’s west end. Despite perceived improvements, bills and quality remain major issues: 90 percent identified high tariffs as their biggest concern, 67 percent cited low or unstable voltage, 36 percent pointed to power theft, and 34 percent highlighted corruption among utility staff.
Funeral processions, long a feature of Freetown’s cultural life, also divided opinion. A slim majority, 54 percent, want traditional grand send-offs to continue. Thirty-three percent favour restrictions on routes or times to ease traffic, while smaller groups support vehicle-only processions (5 percent) or an outright ban (8 percent). The results suggest residents seek a balance between preserving cultural practices and reducing urban disruption.
Prof. Fredline M’Cormack-Hale, Research Director at IGR, presented the findings at a press conference at the institute’s Spur Road office in Freetown, calling the poll the “first structured feedback” from residents on reforms intended to improve traffic, city management and electricity delivery. The results expose a gap between government reform proposals and public awareness and acceptance and indicate that many residents prioritise service delivery over administrative restructuring.
The poll points to three clear policy priorities for decision makers:
- Maintain clear public engagement and information campaigns before pursuing administrative restructuring, given low awareness and significant opposition to the proposed split.
- Prioritise concrete electricity reforms that reduce tariffs, stabilise voltage, tackle power theft, and address corruption within utilities to build on perceived improvements.
- Develop culturally sensitive traffic-management measures for funeral processions that preserve community traditions while reducing congestion.
IGR’s poll offers timely guidance for policymakers navigating the trade-offs between administrative reform and service delivery in Freetown. The findings underline that any successful urban reform package will need strong public communication, meaningful consultation, and tangible service improvements—especially on electricity—if it is to win residents’ support.
