By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a recent development, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLRGD) presented a new-draft Local Government Policy to the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development as part of His Excellency Julius Maada Bio’s New Direction Decentralization drive.
During the presentation at MoPED, the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Tamba Lamina briefed the audience that he was mandated by the Hon. Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh to work on the said policy document in line with the New Direction manifesto which seeks to divulge certain functions to Local Governments by December this year.
Hon. Lamina emphasized on the numerous loopholes and bottlenecks in the 2004 Local Government Act, which according to him has been affecting “Effective coordination between local Councils and line partners.”
Head of the Decentralization Secretariat in the Local Government Ministry, Alex Bhonapha, reiterated the commitment of the Ministry in making sure that the policy is in tandem with international best practices.
Bhonapha explained the structure of the proposed new Local Councils which he said will be called “Assemblies” and run by Governors, while changing the designation of the political head from District Chairperson.
The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Kai Kai applauded the Local Government Ministry for such a “quality work that works in conformity with the New Direction development plans.”
Other speakers registered their utmost satisfaction with regards the draft policy and pledged their support to see that the policy becomes one of the developmentally driven documents to foster development at the local level.
The Deputy Minister of Local Government, Hon. Melrose Kargbo encouraged development experts from MOPED to feel free in modifying the developmental aspects in the document.
