Sierra Leone is on the cusp of a significant administrative transformation, with Cabinet’s approval for the creation of two new districts and the elevation of several townships to full city status. This landmark announcement was made by the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Tamba Lamin, during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s ongoing Civic Day Series held in Moyamba, signaling a comprehensive effort to decentralize governance and accelerate development across the nation.
Minister Lamin elaborated on the specifics of the new districts, revealing that Bandajuma District is set to emerge from portions of the existing Bo and Pujehun Districts. This new administrative zone will be situated in the Southern Province, aiming to bring government services closer to its citizens and foster more localized development initiatives.
Simultaneously, in the Eastern Province, a second new district, Kpangoma, will be carved from sections of Kenema and Kailahun Districts. This redefinition of regional boundaries is expected to enhance administrative efficiency and resource allocation in these areas.
Further underscoring the government’s commitment to urban development and growth, the announcement also included plans to upgrade Lungi Township to full city status. Lungi, strategically important as the home of Sierra Leone’s only international airport, is poised for significant urban expansion and investment, reflecting its critical role as a gateway to the country. This elevation is anticipated to stimulate economic activity, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
These proposed changes represent the most substantial administrative overhaul Sierra Leone has seen since the comprehensive decentralization efforts initiated under former President Ernest Bai Koroma. Those earlier reforms led to the creation of Falaba and Karene Districts from Koinadugu and Bombali respectively, and the establishment of the North Western Province, fundamentally restructuring the country’s administrative map.
If fully implemented, the latest reforms will see the total number of districts in Sierra Leone increase from 16 to 18, reflecting a dynamic approach to governance that seeks to empower local communities and streamline public service delivery. The proposals are now set to undergo rigorous legislative and administrative review processes before they are formally enacted, marking a crucial step towards a more decentralized and responsive government in Sierra Leone.