Deputy Mayor of the Freetown City Council (FCC), Kweku Melvin Lisk Esq., has called on residents of the capital to adopt responsible sanitation practices, stressing that behavioural change remains the key to addressing Freetown’s persistent waste management challenges.

Speaking at the Government Weekly Press Briefing held at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, the Deputy Mayor said poor sanitation in the city is largely driven by negative attitudes toward waste disposal rather than a lack of government intervention.

Lisk noted that although the Government and its development partners continue to invest in sanitation infrastructure and waste management services, meaningful progress can only be achieved if residents take ownership of their environment.

He said many citizens have developed the habit of treating waste management as the responsibility of government authorities once refuse leaves their homes or business premises, a practice he described as a major obstacle to maintaining a clean city.

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According to the Deputy Mayor, poor sanitation contributes to flooding, environmental degradation, and the spread of diseases, particularly during the rainy season. He stressed that improving public health and environmental conditions requires greater civic responsibility from residents.

The Deputy Mayor highlighted the implementation of the Freetown City Council Solid and Liquid Waste Collection By-Laws 2024, which were developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs to strengthen waste management within the municipality.

Under the new regulations, every household is required to register with an approved waste collection service provider, while indiscriminate dumping of refuse has become a punishable offence. He warned that failure to comply with the regulations could attract legal sanctions.

Lisk also raised concerns over the disposal of liquid waste, particularly in hillside communities where inadequate sewage and septic systems have led to wastewater being discharged into drains and waterways. He said the practice contributes significantly to flooding and environmental pollution.

To improve service delivery, the Council has divided the city into operational zones to enhance waste collection and strengthen monitoring and enforcement efforts.

The Deputy Mayor further emphasised the importance of proper waste segregation, especially for hazardous and medical waste, noting that individuals who search through dumpsites for recyclable materials often expose themselves to serious health risks.

He said sanitation should no longer be treated casually, stressing that maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility between government and citizens.

The Deputy Mayor disclosed that the Freetown City Council is working closely with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Sierra Leone Police, and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs to enforce the new by-laws and improve compliance.

He also called for greater orderliness in markets and public spaces, emphasizing the need for designated areas for trading and waste disposal.

Lisk concluded by urging residents to embrace positive behavioural change and civic responsibility, stating that investments in sanitation and environmental management would only yield meaningful results if supported by public cooperation.

His remarks come as the Freetown City Council begins the full enforcement of the Solid and Liquid Waste Collection By-Laws 2024, aimed at improving public health, environmental protection, and sanitation standards across the capital.