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Residents and business owners in Freetown could face heavy fines or imprisonment as the Freetown City Council (FCC) announces a strict enforcement campaign targeting unclean building frontages and neglected private drainage systems.
In a public notice issued on March 31, 2026, the FCC expressed “serious concern” over the widespread failure of property owners and occupiers to maintain their surroundings. The Council noted that in many cases where cleaning is attempted, waste is simply left piled near drains, creating hazardous, unhealthy, and unsightly environmental conditions across the municipality.
To combat the issue, the council announced that full enforcement of city byelaws has officially commenced. The FCC Metropolitan Police have been deployed throughout Freetown to conduct routine patrols, monitor compliance, and document violations.
The crackdown is backed by Part III, Clause 8 of the Freetown City Council Solid and Liquid Waste Collection Byelaws of 2024, which legally mandates that all owners and occupiers keep their frontages, premises, and private drains clean.
The FCC warned that any individual, business, or institution found violating these regulations will face immediate legal consequences. Under the byelaws, penalties include:
- A fine of up to NLe 5,000
- Imprisonment for a term of up to six months
- Both a fine and imprisonment, as provided by law
Reminding the public that maintaining a clean city is both a legal obligation and a shared responsibility, the FCC is urging all residents and institutions to cooperate fully. The Council stressed that failing to properly dispose of waste or maintain property frontages forces the entire city to suffer the consequences.
