Sierra Leone Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has reiterated the Government’s commitment to push decentralization process forward.
He made the statement during the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) Meeting on Decentralization at the Bintumani Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown on September 14, 2020.
The Vice President stated that the New Direction Government is committed to ensure that districts, municipal and city councils have the capacity and resources they need to function. He emphasized that, the Government’s commitment is not only vital to the democratization process, but it is also vital in bringing development to the doorstep of the people.
The Vice President informed the attendees that the rationale behind the meeting was to discuss certain key issues, whilst he encouraged Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies present to conclude the meeting with a clear benchmark set by the IMC on devolution. “The essence of decentralization is to ensure equitable political, economic and social development throughout Sierra Leone” Vice President Jalloh explained.
The Vice President added that decentralization process started in 2004 with the establishment of democratically elected councils, and the need to build the human and financial capacity that goes with the councils to perform their functions. The Honourable Vice President disclosed challenges plaguing the decentralization processes despite immense effort in certain areas.
The IMC on Decentralization is the overarching organ responsible for decision-making and implementation of the decentralization programme. It is chaired by the Vice President and includes representatives of relevant MDAs. Its main role is to ensure continuous high-level political will for the implementation process, promote inter-governmental coordination, build synergy and ensure the harmonization of these efforts.
By: Aaron Bundu Lahai-Head of Media & Public Relations
16/09/2020. ISSUE NO: 7910