A major stakeholders’ engagement on the government’s ambitious decentralization program was held at the Western Area Rural District Council (WARD-C) headquarters, organized by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs. The meeting, attended by ministers, MPs, councilors, and civil society groups, focused on plans to create new localities in the Western Area through redistricting and de-amalgamation.
WARD-C Chairman, Kasho J. Holland Cole, expressed strong support for the initiative, revealing he had long advocated for the creation of new localities to improve effective service delivery. He explained that the district’s large size and rapid expansion have left some areas behind. “There are parts of my council that have never benefited from any projects because of the size of the district. Creating a new locality will ensure those areas finally get the attention they deserve,” he stated.
However, Chairman Cole offered a crucial caution, advising against the creation of too many new types of council. He suggested that only one additional locality be established in the Western Area Rural District to avoid placing an unsustainable financial burden on the government. He further urged the government to ensure that any new council are financially viable, noting that despite being the most populated district, WARD-C receives less government allocation compared to others like the Freetown City Council.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba Lamina, commended Chairman Cole for his foresight. He explained that the creation of new localities is driven by the need to strengthen decentralization and ensure every community participates in governance. He contrasted the current government’s consultative approach with that of the past, stating, “Unlike before, when localities were created without engaging stakeholders, we are ensuring that the people are fully part of this process.”
