Post a comment 
The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, has defended her continued use of an official vehicle during the ongoing political boycott, clarifying that neither the vehicle nor its operational costs are funded by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Addressing the issue, the mayor explained that the vehicle was provided by the World Bank, not the central government. She emphasised that all expenses associated with its use, including fuel and the driver’s salary, are personally covered by her.
According to Aki-Sawyerr, the Freetown City Council has not received government fuel allocations since last year due to administrative challenges, including delays in budget approvals. She noted that the situation has affected the delivery of essential services.
She further disclosed that the only fuel accessed between January and March this year was obtained on credit, specifically for sanitation vehicles, through an arrangement she personally negotiated with suppliers.
“Any fuel I am using is fuel I am paying for. I also pay my own driver,” she stated.
The mayor also responded to criticism regarding her use of official symbols and assets during the boycott, arguing that attention should be focused on the issues that prompted the boycott, particularly the implementation of tripartite recommendations.
Aki-Sawyerr described what she termed an “obsession” with appearances, referencing concerns about the use of ceremonial items such as the mayoral gown and chain by an acting mayor.
She maintained that such symbols, like the official vehicle, represent the office of the mayor and should not be interpreted as indicators of political control.
The situation underscores ongoing political tensions affecting local governance in Freetown, with questions remaining over administrative authority and the broader impact of the boycott on service delivery in the city.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AaegEGNwZ/
