By: Abu H. Kargbo
The Women’s Forum for Human Rights and Democracy (WOFHRAD) has hosted an interface meeting bringing together political and administrative leaders of Makeni City Council and Bombali District Council to address challenges affecting local service delivery.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Pastoral Centre in Makeni, was organised under the Irish Aid Civil Society Project (ICSP) to strengthen collaboration and improve service delivery in the two councils.
Zainab Khadijatu Kargbo, WOFHRAD’s Field Officer, described the meeting as a platform for open dialogue, allowing councillors from both councils to share their challenges, achievements and concerns about council operations.
“It also provides an opportunity for councillors to express their concerns regarding the operations of their councils,” she stated.
Kargbo said WOFHRAD would monitor the actions taken by the administrative wings of the two councils in response to the concerns raised during the meeting.
“These issues require urgent attention, as both male and female councillors have identified them as significant challenges to local service delivery,” she emphasised.
She added that the meeting also provided an opportunity for the two councils to exchange experiences, strengthen collaboration and share development strategies.
Adieu Kallon, Deputy Chief Administrator of Makeni City Council, commended WOFHRAD for its efforts to improve service delivery and promote good governance through collaboration and active engagement with local councils.
While acknowledging the concerns raised by councillors, Kallon reminded them that challenges were common to every institution. He encouraged them to remain committed to their responsibilities and continue working in the best interests of their communities.
Councillor Manty Turay of Makeni City Council also commended WOFHRAD, expressing gratitude for the meeting and noting that it had improved her understanding of the council’s operations.
The meeting highlighted the role of civil society organizations in promoting accountability, strengthening local governance and supporting national development. These objectives are also consistent with the broader governance and reconciliation principles highlighted in Sierra Leone’s 2004 Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.