The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA) is overseeing the USAID-funded BASE project, which aims to improve local governance and transparency in six councils across Kono, Moyamba, Karene, Falaba, and the Western Area Rural District Council (WARD-C).
Partnering with local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including IGR, CARL, IRN, BAN, and the 50/50 Group, the project focuses on enhancing citizen engagement and decentralization.
Recently, the Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the consortium to reinforce its monitoring role. Minister Tamba Lamina and Deputy Minister Alfred Moi Jamiru are leading this oversight, with staff divided into teams to evaluate the project in different districts.
During a review in Kono and Moyamba, Minister Lamina addressed challenges such as weak resource mobilization and inadequate community consultation, engaging with council leaders on various issues including revenue mobilization and transparency.
The review concluded with radio talk shows to update the public and encourage dialogue on improving local governance. The BASE project is crucial for fostering accountable and participatory governance in Sierra Leone.