By Marian Magdalene Bangura
The Government of Sierra Leone has unveiled maps for three proposed rural councils in the Western Area Rural District as part of efforts to strengthen decentralisation, improve service delivery, and bring governance closer to communities.
The proposed councils, namely Waterloo Rural Council, Mountain Rural Council, and York Rural Council, were presented during the Civic Day Series held at the Western Area Rural District Council (WARDC) Hall in Waterloo.
Presenting the maps, Director of the Decentralisation Secretariat, Alex Bonapha Esq., explained that the redistricting initiative is aimed at enhancing local governance, promoting equitable development, and improving administrative efficiency across the Western Area Rural District.
The engagement, organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MOICE) under the theme “Government at Your Doorstep,” provided an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to learn about the proposed restructuring and share their views on the initiative.
According to Bonapha, the proposed maps outline the boundaries, administrative headquarters, wards, and chiefdoms of the three councils. He noted that the proposal is intended to address long-standing concerns over the size and growing population of the Western Area Rural District, which is currently administered under a single council.
If approved, the new councils are expected to improve access to local governance structures, enhance responsiveness to community needs, and increase citizen participation in decision-making processes.
The proposal received broad support from residents and local representatives, who described it as a significant step toward accelerating development and improving service delivery in the district.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Councillor Mary Kargbo, Chairperson of the WARDC Social Welfare Committee, and Councillor Marie Kamara Coker welcomed the initiative, highlighting its potential to create greater development opportunities, particularly for women and other underserved groups.
They noted that the establishment of additional councils would strengthen the relationship between government and citizens by bringing decision-making closer to communities and improving access to local authorities.
The councillors further emphasised that the restructuring could lead to more balanced resource allocation, stronger community development programmes, and increased access to public facilities and essential services. They also expressed optimism that the proposed councils would encourage greater participation of women in local governance, economic activities, and development initiatives.
The event was hosted by Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, and featured a panel discussion involving Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba Lamina; Minister of State for the Western Region, Adekunle King; Director of Communication and Public Relations at Statistics Sierra Leone, Samuel Ansumana; WARDC Chairman Kasho J. Holland-Cole; and local councillors.
Participants, including residents, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders, were given the opportunity to review the proposed maps, seek clarification, and contribute their perspectives on the planned administrative reforms.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of the forthcoming 2026 Population and Housing Census, with government officials and development partners stressing the need for accurate population data to support effective planning, resource allocation, and public service delivery.
Speaking during the engagement, Samuel Ansumana underscored the role of reliable census data in identifying community needs and guiding development priorities, particularly as the proposed councils progress through the necessary approval processes.
The unveiling of the maps marks a significant step in the government’s public consultation process on the proposed restructuring of local governance in the Western Area. Although the councils are yet to be formally established, the positive reception from residents of Waterloo reflects strong public interest in a decentralised governance system designed to promote accessibility, accountability, and inclusive development.