Decentralisation Secretariat Calls for Sustainable Financing of New Local Councils
Osman Tolo Sesay The Director of Sierra Leone’s Decentralisation Secretariat, Alex Bhonapha, has emphasised the need for sustainable financing, stronger local revenue collection and development partnerships to support new localities and improve local governance.
Bhonapha made the remarks during the Weekly Press Briefing hosted by Mohamed Jaward Nyallay, Strategic Communications Adviser, at the Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. The briefing examined redistricting and the establishment of new localities, with a focus on administrative efficiency and bringing public services closer to communities.
He explained that local councils need reliable funding to fulfill their responsibilities, implement development projects and respond to residents’ needs. He identified property rates, licensing fees and other locally administered revenue sources as important ways councils can raise funds independently.
However, Bhonapha noted that locally generated revenue alone cannot meet all the financial requirements of local government. He said government grants and assistance from development partners are also important for sustaining council operations and financing community development initiatives.
The director cited the European Union as an example of an international partner that has supported development initiatives involving local councils. He said such partnerships can supplement government funding and provide technical assistance to strengthen local authorities’ ability to deliver projects.
Beyond financing, Bhonapha stressed that expanding local administrative structures requires careful planning and institutional preparation. He said councils must have the personnel, facilities and administrative systems needed to manage their responsibilities effectively.
He also highlighted the importance of identifying suitable administrative centers and preparing the necessary infrastructure before new localities begin operating. He emphasized that redistricting involves more than changing geographical boundaries, as new administrative arrangements must be supported by the resources and systems required for effective governance.
Bhonapha further called for investment in staff training, improved financial management and stronger administrative procedures. He underscored the need for coordination among the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, the Decentralization Secretariat and other relevant institutions to prepare councils for their expanded responsibilities.
The director’s remarks come as discussions continue on redistricting and the creation of new localities in Sierra Leone. His emphasis on financing and institutional readiness highlights the importance of ensuring that new administrative structures have the capacity to function effectively and support development at the community level.
He maintained that combining locally generated revenue, government funding and development partner support, alongside responsible resource management, would be important to strengthening decentralization and improving local governance across the country.