Sierra Leone, Municipal Property Tax System (MPTS-SL)

Objective

This project will design, develop, test, install and pilot a municipal property tax system to support effective administration of property taxation across local governments in Sierra Leone. 

A core goal of the project is to ensure that there is a single system operating across local jurisdictions in the country, and that the system is connected to a financial management system and potentially other central government systems. The development of a single system to be deployed across the country will ensure consistent management of property tax systems and facilitate improved administration by providing a common platform for staff when they are rotated across different locations in the country. It will similarly facilitate improved management and oversight of the system through connection to central government systems. 

Additionally, the project aims to facilitate the process of gathering data on properties across Sierra Leone using GIS tools, with the expectation that this data can subsequently be used to support improved urban planning and strengthen national land management and the national land registry. 

Approach

In order to achieve the objective and core goal of the project, the project has conceptually been divided into three phases beyond the inception phase, during which a total of 8 deliverables will be produced. After conducting a comprehensive local needs assessment in four councils, the system design and development will be tailored to user needs, prioritising simplicity and user-friendliness. Extensive testing will ensure functionality, followed by a pilot deployment in Kenema. The project emphasises collaboration with central and local governments and sustainability through open-source tools, training, and support, ensuring long-term success and flexibility for future customisation. 

Results

The project will deliver a fully functional, tested, and user-friendly MPTS-SL system that integrates seamlessly with existing government systems. The pilot in Kenema will provide valuable insights, and local staff will receive extensive training, ensuring system ownership and sustainability. The system’s open-source design, combined with comprehensive documentation and support from local IT experts, will enable continuous customisation and long-term maintenance, empowering local governments to improve property tax administration and increase revenue efficiency​.