Residents from across the District of Tonkolili 19 chiefdoms have angrily reacted to a press release from the Tonkolili District Council (TDC).

They are angry over the outlining of stricter price increments for having community, religious, and social events.

In the press release dated 18th March 2025, the Tonkolili District Council announced new fees for public events which include musical rallies, school thanksgiving ceremonies, and street jogging activities. The announcement by TDC has raised many questions.

In reaction, TDC says it has a mandate guaranteed in section 63(1)(c) of the Local Government Act of 2022. The said section from the Local Government Act states that a Local Council “shall issue a licence to any person in a locality who holds any concert, dance, musical, theatrical, or other entertainment.”

The public is warned to adhere to the law by obtaining permission from the Council or face the full force of the law,” the law reads in part.

The decision by the Council raised concerns, with many locals questioning the reason behind the fees payment.

Organizing a musical rally will now come with a substantial cost, while schools planning Thanksgiving services will also need to be paid for.

Even streets jogging, a popular activity for young people for fitness is also subject to a fee.

Reactions have been mixed with many believing the fees are necessary to maintain order and security during public events, while the majority feel the public has been exposed to an unnecessary burden on schools and youth groups of limited resources.

The council has yet to respond to public inquiries, thus leaving many residents to debate the impact of the new fees slammed on the community.

Citizens of Magburaka  have particularly raised serious concerns regarding the recent increase in the application fees for social activities within the town.

“This hike in costs will cause significant hardships for many, especially the youths, who rely on these activities for personal and professional development.”

There are calls for the leadership of the Tonkolili District Council to reconsider its decision to work in the interest of the public.

“We respectfully request that those responsible for this fee increase should reconsider their decision and make a withdrawal, as it is unjust and detrimental to the community,” a resident wrote on social media.

The general view residents hold is that  TDC has failed to deliver on meaningful developments not only in Magburaka but also in communities around the district.

“Since 2018, the council has not taken concrete steps to addressing the pressing needs of the town, leaving the people feeling neglected and overlooked. The community desperately needs a Youth Resource Centre, access to better infrastructure, and essential services that are long overdue,” another resident added his view.

Instead of initiating development programmes across the district, residents are disturbed by the coming of another additional burden, making life difficult especially for ordinary citizens.