IGR, MDAs Collaborate to Validate Local Council Plans
The Institute of Governance Reforms (IGR), in partnership with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) and several Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), hosted a stakeholder engagement on Friday to validate draft development plans for four local councils in Sierra Leone.
The goal was to engage MDAs and the private sector in shaping local council plans and programs, setting targets, and improving development coordination. Andrew Lavalie, IGR’s Executive Director, emphasized that the validation process is a joint effort with the Ministry of Local Government to align sectoral priorities with local council plans.
The draft plan covers key areas like Agriculture, Health, Education, Energy, Water, Sanitation, Infrastructure, Environment, Youth, and Gender. Lavalie stressed that effective local service delivery depends on public-private collaboration, better local revenue collection, monitoring, and citizen engagement.
Officials highlighted the importance of food security in districts like Falaba, Karene, Tonkolili, and Moyamba. Falaba and Karene, in particular, lag in development due to poor coordination between MDAs and local councils. Specific needs identified in Falaba included agricultural equipment, seeds, fertilizers, school gardens, and grain storage facilities.
Discussions also addressed water infrastructure, youth opportunities, gender inclusivity, and citizen participation. Stakeholders stressed the need to align local and national priorities while avoiding duplication of efforts between MDAs and councils.
Joseph Samah, Acting Director of Planning, Policy, and Research at MoPED, announced that the final plans would be launched soon, with a focus on resolving the gaps between MDAs and councils to improve service delivery across Sierra Leone.
