By: Emmanuel Mbowa
Freetown, 20th April, 2026- Bo City is wearing a new face. Under the leadership of His Worship Mayor Kobba Musa, the council has shifted from a traditional bureaucracy into a proactive, service‑delivery institution, driving visible change in infrastructure, social services, and economic empowerment even amid delays in central government funding.
Through a strategic blend of donor support and optimized local revenue streams, the council has turned the city into a hub of construction and reform. Haja Halimah Lukay, the council’s Deputy Chief Administrator, highlighted key achievements while noting the robust decentralization taking place at the local level.
“In Bo, we are proud that we have been able to manage our resources in ways that allow us to collect revenue and deliver tangible development to the people,” Lukay stated. “We have also created international links to complement our work, as our mandate revolves around mobilizing funds both locally and internationally.”
She noted that local revenue has improved over the years despite persistent compliance challenges. “We still have residents who pay less than what they are obligated to pay to the council; however, our locally sourced streams have improved significantly compared to previous years.”
According to Lukay, poor power supply previously hindered administrative efficiency. However, a partnership with the Aschaffenburg Municipality in Germany has resolved this issue. The council now operates with 24-hour solar-powered electricity, allowing more revenue to be directed toward service delivery rather than overhead costs.
“Previously, it would take us two to three months just to print business licenses, demand notices, and certificates. We spent millions on fuel, which hampered our effectiveness,” she explained. “Today, we are proud of our revenue growth and management efficiency, supported by constant light from the German government.”
The iconic Bo City Hall is also nearing completion, currently standing at 90%. Lukay explained that the project includes a total rebuild of the administrative block, the installation of a solar-powered borehole, and a new security post. From the symbolic restoration of the historic Clock Tower to the solar power fueling daily operations, Bo City is rebranding itself as a modern, functional municipality.
In the commercial sector, the council is expanding economic opportunities with the construction of 92 new market stalls through a mix of council-led initiatives and private partnerships with Poni Estate.
“The Gbongo Municipality Market has been fully rehabilitated with four new storage rooms to support local traders,” Lukay maintained. “We are also working with partners on a design plan to renovate and reconstruct the Central Market to ensure a conducive environment for commerce. It is a failure of administration if traders cannot access a proper business center while paying their market dues.”
To ensure sustainable growth, the council is collaborating with the King’s Foundation and One World Link in the UK to implement modern urban planning. These partnerships aim to regulate transportation, public toilets, and pedestrian zones, specifically addressing underdeveloped areas like Shengba and New London.
Despite these successes, waste management remains a significant challenge and a flagship priority for the Mayor.
“A bulk of our revenue goes toward waste management,” Lukay revealed. “Because the population has increased and our disposal site is five miles outside the city, the costs for fuel, maintenance, and labor are high. We believe that by working with international partners, we can further improve these services.”
Mohamed Aliyu Koroma, the Information, Education, and Communications (IEC) Officer, outlined the administration’s milestones in infrastructure and economic development.
“In just three years, the Mayor has improved mobility by constructing 50 single and five double-box culverts,” Koroma stated. “Bridges at Jestina Street and Chinese Farm are complete, while work continues on Labour Road and Njai Town.” He added that a 15 km road grading project has revitalized seven major corridors, including Bataiama Road and Lewabu Road, easing the movement of goods and residents.
The council’s “Big 5” alignment is also evident in its social service upgrades. Mohamed noted:
Health: “Established the Kindia Town Maternal and Child Health Center and launched mobile clinics for underserved communities.”
Education: “Rehabilitated Municipal JSS Kandeh Town and RC Model Primary, and distributed 400 sets of three-seater desks to solve seating shortages.”
Employment: “Facilitated 2,000 jobs for young people through the NaCSA Green Public Works program and the Bloomberg Philanthropists-funded Youth Climate Action Fund.”
To close financial leakages, the council partnered with the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) to host a branch directly at the council office. This shift to a direct-to-bank payment system eliminates “hand-to-hand” cash transfers, ensuring revenue is tracked, audited, and instantly deposited.
On the environmental front, Environment and Safety Officer Mohamed Ayatema Ngavoa noted that since the 2023 election, monthly city-wide cleanups have become a priority. With four government-lobbied waste vehicles and five council-procured tricycles, the team manages waste across the Central Business District and urban peripheries.
“We are ensuring that the environment of Bo City is safe for our citizens by collecting waste across major streets and the Central Business District,” Ngavoa added. “Day in and day out, we are also conducting intensive sensitization campaigns so that people understand the vital need to manage their environment better.”
Outlining the Council’s future strategy, he stated: “Our plan going forward is to expand our partnerships with like-minded organizations. This will help us secure the necessary funding to implement more sustainable, long-term actions for waste management.”
Mayor Kobba Musa reaffirmed his commitment to rebranding the city during a recent appearance on the Truth Morning Devotion program.
“My dream is big; that is why we are working tirelessly for the interest of the people of Bo,” the Mayor said. “I want Bo City to be transformed like any developed city in the world. I urge residents to comply with bylaws and meet their tax obligations so we can continue to deliver effective services to the municipality.”
