Local Government Minister Explains How Redistricting Could Benefit Local Communities
Osman Tolo Sesay Sierra Leone’s Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba Lamina, has explained how redistricting and the creation of new localities could improve access to public services, strengthen local administration and promote development in underserved communities.
Lamina made the remarks on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, during the Weekly Press Briefing hosted by Strategic Communications Adviser Mohamed Jaward Nyallay at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown.
The Minister said reviewing existing administrative boundaries and establishing new localities could help government institutions respond more effectively to population growth, geographical challenges and the changing needs of communities.
He explained that properly planned administrative structures could bring government services closer to residents, reduce the distances people travel to access public services and improve coordination between communities and local authorities.
According to Lamina, redistricting could also support more effective development planning by enabling local authorities to identify community priorities and respond to residents’ concerns. He added that establishing new administrative centres could create opportunities for infrastructure development, market expansion and improved access to essential services.
The Minister noted that decisions on redistricting and creating new localities must consider population size, geographical boundaries, administrative requirements and the capacity to sustain effective local governance.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration among relevant government institutions, particularly those responsible for planning, finance and public administration, to ensure that proposed changes are properly assessed and supported by appropriate administrative arrangements.
Referring to the Local Government Act of 2004, as amended in 2022, Lamina stressed that establishing new localities requires compliance with relevant legal and administrative procedures, including consultations and coordination among government institutions.
He further emphasised the need to engage affected communities and other stakeholders to ensure that proposed changes reflect local circumstances and broader national development priorities.
However, Lamina cautioned that the benefits of redistricting would depend on adequate funding, staffing, infrastructure and clearly defined responsibilities. He said these requirements would be essential to ensuring that newly established localities could function effectively and meet residents’ expectations.
The Minister also noted that population growth and expanding communities could place additional pressure on existing local government structures, making it necessary to assess whether current administrative arrangements remain suitable.
He maintained that effective planning, sufficient resources and stronger community engagement would be crucial to ensuring that changes to administrative boundaries translate into improved governance and public service delivery.
Lamina’s remarks highlighted the potential for redistricting to make local government more responsive to citizens while supporting development across Sierra Leone.