Sierra Leone plans local government restructuring and Lungi economic expansion

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba Lamina, has announced plans to restructure local governance and expand economic development through new administrative councils and infrastructure projects.

As part of a government effort to improve efficiency and responsiveness, new localities and councils are being proposed for several regions, including Waterloo, Lungi, and York. The restructuring process, which gained momentum in 2025, involves defining boundaries and compositions for various areas in the southern, eastern, and Western parts of the country. Minister Lamina noted that while presidential approval is necessary, the changes must also be officially gazetted through statutory instruments.

In addition to administrative changes, the Minister highlighted the significant economic potential of Lungi. He identified the area’s international airport, proposed international conference center, and tourism opportunities as key assets that could transform Lungi into a major commercial hub. The proposed Lungi Bridge is also cited as a critical infrastructure project intended to accelerate development by opening land for residential and business use, ultimately supporting Lungi’s bid for city status.