Tuesday, 16th June 2026
Venue: Miatta Civic Center, Youyi Building
Key Highlights
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Ministry of Information and Civic
Introduction:
For years, Freetown has grappled with poor waste management, resulting in sanitation challenges that threaten public health and the city’s image. At the Government Weekly Press Conference, officials updated the public on the enforcement of the Freetown City Council Solid and Liquid Waste Collection By-laws 2024 and other measures aimed at restoring order, improving sanitation, and promoting responsible civic behavior across the capital.
Minister of Internal Affairs Announces Multi-Agency Task Force
The Minister of Internal Affairs, AIG (Rtd.) Morie Lengor Esq., informed the public that Government has established a multi-agency task force to tackle lawlessness in Freetown, particularly illegal street trading, the indiscriminate operation of okadas and kekehs, and noise pollution.
The task force comprises the Deputy Inspector General of Police, the Freetown City Council (FCC), and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA). According to the Minister, restoring law and order is essential to making Freetown an attractive destination for tourism and investment. He emphasized that the task force has been mandated to enforce discipline, maintain peace, and ensure the capital remains clean and orderly.
On street trading, Minister Lengor disclosed that the Government is working closely with the Freetown City Council to relocate traders from unauthorized locations. He cited Wilberforce as a successful example and assured the public that Lumley, Jui, and other congested areas would be cleared once suitable alternative market facilities become available. He stressed that the city must be properly planned, organized, and free from indiscipline, adding that the collaboration between the Ministry and FCC could serve as a model for other local councils across the country.
Deputy Minister Calls for Responsible Waste Management
The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alfred Jamiru, attributed the city’s waste management challenges largely to the public’s failure to pay for waste collection services and the widespread use of plastics.
He urged residents to cultivate the habit of properly managing household waste and subscribing to registered waste collection service providers. The Deputy Minister discouraged the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into gutters and on streets, warning that poor sanitation poses serious health risks to citizens.
He also revealed that the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, the Sierra Leone Police, and the Freetown City Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in improving waste management across the city.
FCC Highlights Enforcement of Waste Management By-laws
The Deputy Mayor of the Freetown City Council, Kweku Melvin Lisk Esq., disclosed that the Council has developed a comprehensive legal framework on solid and liquid waste management to effectively address sanitation challenges in the capital.
He announced that the by-laws will now be fully enforced throughout Freetown to ensure compliance. As part of the regulations, every household is required to register with an approved waste collection service provider. Failure to comply, he warned, could result in a fine of NLe5,000.
FCC Intensifies Public Sensitization Campaign
The Environment and Sanitation Officer at FCC, Marian Tucker, informed the public that the Council is undertaking an extensive public sensitization campaign through flyers, community engagements, and town hall meetings to educate residents on the new waste management system.
She explained that the city has been divided into eight operational blocks, stretching from Orugu to Levuma, with each block assigned to a designated waste collection service provider.
Regarding service charges, Madam Tucker stated that waste collection fees range from NLe15 for a 50kg container to NLe25 for a 100kg container. She emphasized that the pricing structure has been deliberately kept affordable to encourage compliance and improve sanitation across the city.
Police Pledge Full Enforcement of By-laws
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Sahr Yomba Senesie, reaffirmed the Sierra Leone Police’s commitment to supporting the enforcement of the Solid and Liquid Waste Management By-laws.
He explained that before full enforcement begins, the Police will embark on community engagements and public education campaigns to ensure citizens understand the provisions of the new regulations. He warned that once enforcement commences, non-compliance could result in arrests or fines and urged residents to cooperate with the authorities in keeping Freetown clean.
The Deputy Inspector General further disclosed that the Police, in collaboration with the Freetown City Council and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, have begun demolishing makeshift structures erected along road reserves and rights of way to improve public safety and restore order within the city.
©Ministry of Information and Civic Education
