Freetown’s fight for a cleaner city just got stronger! The Freetown City Council (FCC) has mobilized over 700 community engagement workers to roll out the city’s new sanitation bye-laws — a bold move to boost waste management and public health.

Over the next two weeks, these dedicated workers will be on the ground educating residents about the new rules, which require households and institutions to register for waste collection. Failure to comply could mean a fine of SLE 5,000 or jail time.

A key part of this effort is the introduction of the “Dorti Mus Go” Sanitation Reporting Tool — a smart questionnaire that helps workers gather household data for targeted community engagement. Operations are divided into zones, making the outreach more organized and effective.

FCC’s community workers will serve as vital links between residents and authorities, working closely with city officials to improve sanitation across the metropolis.

Mayor Yvonne Akie-Sawyerr emphasized the importance of proper waste management, stating, “Dirt causes illnesses, and a dirty city discourages tourists. We must act now.” She reflected on past successes, like introducing waste collection tricycles, but acknowledged ongoing challenges like poor infrastructure and land-use planning that hinder waste disposal.

The Mayor also highlighted that enforcement of the bye-laws is essential, urging residents, service providers, and stakeholders to take ownership of sanitation reforms. “Together, we can transform Freetown into a cleaner, healthier city,” she declared.

This bold initiative marks a major step toward improving urban cleanliness and public health through community participation. With residents and officials working hand-in-hand, Freetown is on its way to setting a new standard for sanitation and environmental sustainability.