By Millicent Senava Mannah
The Institute of Governance Reform (IGR), through the BASE Project and in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MOPED), has on November 14, 2024 launched a transformative District Development Plan aimed at enhancing citizen engagement in local governance and ensuring Government responsiveness to community needs.
The high-profile event took place at the prestigious Country Lodge in Freetown, marking a significant step towards fostering sustainable development in Sierra Leone.
The BASE Project, a $3.38 million, three-year initiative, is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It brings together five key local organizations, Institute of Governance Reform, 50/50 Group, Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law, Independent Radio Network and Budget Advocacy Network, to promote empowered and accountable communities.
This ambitious project has already made strides in establishing accountability platforms while ensuring women’s priorities are integrated into development strategies.
Andrew Lavalie, Executive Director of IGR, highlighted the project’s overarching goals, which include:
– Reducing child and maternal mortality rates.
– Enhancing farming incomes and education outcomes.
– Boosting community stability, local council revenues and citizen trust in authorities.
Andrew Lavalie stressed the importance of data-driven decision-making to improve outcomes in health, education and agriculture. He also noted that consultations and needs assessments have been conducted with approximately 4,000 citizens across six districts, ensuring grassroots participation in development planning.
Dr. Fredline Mcomarck Hale emphasized the commitment to transparency, announcing the publication of an annual State of the Council Report to keep citizens informed about council activities. She also underscored the need for reforms to bolster citizen involvement in project assessments and private sector participation in council operations.
The project aims to strengthen coordination between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Ministries and Local Councils, fostering a collaborative approach to governance.
The Honourable Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Ballay, served as the Guest Speaker. She highlighted the importance of a clear framework for collaboration between local councils and the Ministry of Finance. Madam Kenyeh Ballay raised concerns about the lack of documented coordination with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and underscored the importance of technical committees in sectors like education and agriculture.
“There is a need for public meetings to discuss development plans with NGOs and communities to ensure alignment with local needs,” she stated.
The Minister also emphasized the necessity of generating local revenue to fund development activities, citing the need for district laboratories, medical stores and active engagement with development partners.
A key focus of the discussions was the role of the private sector in managing and monitoring development structures. Madam Kenyeh Ballay reiterated the importance of leveraging private sector expertise to enhance governance and service delivery at the local level.
The event concluded with the screening of a short documentary showcasing the BASE Project’s achievements. The film highlighted how private sector involvement has improved local governance and underscored the project’s impact on community empowerment and sustainable development.
The launch of the District Development Plan signals a renewed commitment to inclusive governance, with IGR, MOPED and their partners leading efforts to create a brighter future for Sierra Leone’s citizens.
