Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has criticised the proposed division of Freetown, alleging that the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government is politically motivated and seeking to secure a mayoral seat in the capital.

She made the remarks during a public sensitisation meeting organised by the Western Area West District Executive in collaboration with the All People’s Congress (APC) Census Committee.

Responding to the government’s argument that dividing the city would improve service delivery, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr said the priority should be addressing the challenges facing residents, including limited access to water, electricity, transportation and quality healthcare, as well as the rising cost of living.

She also raised concerns about funding constraints affecting local councils across the country, arguing that delays in the devolution of funds from central government had undermined their ability to provide essential services.

According to the mayor, councils received no funds in 2025, while only 50 per cent of the expected funds for 2026 had been disbursed at the time of her remarks.

She questioned the rationale behind further dividing the capital when local councils were already struggling to meet their responsibilities.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr urged the government to focus on improving living conditions and addressing pressing development challenges. She also called for land-use planning responsibilities to be devolved to local councils, describing this as essential for effective urban planning and management.

The mayor thanked the APC Census Committee for organising the engagement and encouraged party members and the wider public to participate in the forthcoming national census by welcoming enumerators and providing the required information.

She stressed that accurate population data would be important for national planning and development.