In a landmark move to enhance local governance and service delivery, the Hon Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh today launched the Fiscal Decentralization Policy and Implementation Strategy at the Brookfield Hotel on Tuesday 4th February, 2025
The new policy, aimed at empowering local governments, marks a critical shift towards greater financial autonomy and transparency at the grassroots level. Addressing a diverse audience of government officials, local council leaders, and international partners, the Vice President emphasized that decentralization is vital for fostering national cohesion and improving services delivering in areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure..
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s progress since 2004, the Vice President noted that the new policy would ensure local councils are better equipped to manage resources and make decisions based on the specific needs of their communities. “This is a critical moment for local leaders,” he stated, underscoring that decentralization would bridge the gap between national and local governments, providing more control over resources and empowering councils to make decisions that directly affect their constituents.
The Vice President also stressed that successful implementation would require collaborative efforts from the Ministry of Finance, local councils, and development partners, particularly the World Bank, which has been instrumental in supporting the project.
The Deputy Minister of Finance 1 Madam KadiatuAllieu, also took the stage, outlining the specific role of the Ministry in implementing the policy. She shared that the World Bank-funded Accountable Governance for Basic Service Delivery project, worth $40 million, has already been supporting local councils, helping them manage resources and improve accountability in service delivery.
The project, which began in January 2022, aims to strengthen local councils’ financial management and ensure that services are delivered more effectively to communities. “This project is designed to enhance the governance structures at the local level, ensuring that the people’s needs are met with the necessary resources,” she said, noting that the next phase would focus on expanding financial capacity and training for local councils.
The World Bank Manager Abdu Muwonge, at the event praised the government’s progress in implementing the $40 million Accountable Governance for Basic Service Delivery project. He highlighted the importance of fiscal decentralization for promoting local economic growth and national cohesion, pointing out that the focus must now shift from policy development to measurable outcomes. He urged local councils to prioritize results, such as improved education, health services, and climate resilience, rather than merely requesting additional funding. “The real test of decentralization will be in the outcomes we achieve,” he stated, calling for stronger partnerships between local governments, the Ministry of Finance, and international partners to deliver effective public services.
Sahr A.K Lamin President Local Council Association Sierra Leone also welcomed the policy, acknowledging the improvements in funding and resource allocation over the years. However, he stressed the need for greater financial autonomy, particularly the ability for local governments to levy taxes on businesses within their jurisdictions. This, he argued, would reduce dependence on central government transfers and enable local councils to manage resources more sustainably. He also called for capacity building in financial management, budgeting, and revenue collection to improve governance and service delivery at the local level.
As Sierra Leone moves forward with its ambitious decentralization plan, local councils are encouraged to embrace their newfound responsibilities. The hope is that greater autonomy will not only enhance local governance but also create a more responsive and accountable system that can meet the needs of communities and promote sustainable development across the country.
Aminata Turay
Office of the Vice President
099776914
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