By: Bai Sesay
Sierra Leone marked a significant milestone on Thursday, November 14, 2024, with the launch of its first-ever Local Council Development Plans. The initiative, spearheaded by the Institute for Governance Reforms (IGR) in partnership with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, was unveiled during a high-profile ceremony attended by government officials, civil society leaders, and local council representatives.
The plans, developed under the Building Accountability Systems through Empowerment Communities (BASE) project, target six district councils: Falaba, Karene, Kono, Moyamba, Tonkolili, and Western Area Rural. The initiative aims to decentralize development efforts and align them with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan and the government’s “Big Five Agenda.”
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Kenyeh Barlay emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the initiative. She commended USAID for its support and acknowledged the efforts of BASE and IGR in crafting the detailed, people-centered plans.
“This is a significant step towards sustainable development. For the first time, district priorities have been clearly extracted from the Medium-Term National Development Plan, making implementation practical and achievable,” Barlay said. She urged collaboration between government bodies and civil society to ensure the plans translate into measurable improvements in citizens’ lives.
A joint presentation by Andrew Lavali of IGR and Fredline Macaulay of the 50-50 Group outlined the project’s progress over the past 18 months. Lavali and Macaulay revealed that the BASE initiative had already improved revenue generation, fostered partnerships, and increased accountability within local councils.
One notable achievement was the establishment of the Local Governance and Services Tracker (LGST), which has streamlined budget transfers to local councils, increasing efficiency from 23% in 2023 to 64% in 2024. The presentation also detailed gains in agriculture, education, and healthcare, alongside ongoing challenges requiring further attention.
Representatives from the six district councils participated in discussions, sharing insights on the project’s impact. They praised the initiative as a “bottom-top approach” that prioritizes community needs. However, they also highlighted areas requiring additional support to ensure the plans’ sustainability, particularly in infrastructure and service delivery.
Minister Barlay formally launched the Local Council Development Plans, calling for collective efforts to ensure their success. “On behalf of the Government of His Excellency Rt. Brig. Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone, I officially launch the Development Plans for Local Councils in the six districts,” she declared.
The BASE initiative is expected to significantly enhance governance, accountability, and service delivery across Sierra Leone’s districts, setting a new precedent for community-driven development.
