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Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr is spearheading an ambitious development agenda for the city, as confirmed during a recent meeting with European Union representatives.
On Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr engaged with the European Union in Sierra Leone, represented by Ambassador H.E. Manuel Muller and EU Governance Team Leader Serena Bertaina. At the heart of the discussion was the forthcoming Freetown City Council 2024-2028 development plan, currently in the planning phase.
The Mayor outlined the framework for the second phase of Transform Freetown, a comprehensive initiative aimed at revitalizing various sectors within the city. Transform Freetown, launched during Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s tenure, focuses on key areas such as infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. The upcoming development plan seeks to build upon the successes and lessons learned from the initial phase, with a continued emphasis on innovative solutions and community engagement.
Central to the discussion was the concept of devolution, which Mayor Aki-Sawyerr highlighted as crucial for effective service delivery. Devolution entails the transfer of authority, resources, and decision-making power from central government to local authorities, empowering municipalities to address the unique needs and priorities of their communities. By advocating for greater devolution, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr aims to ensure that Freetown has the autonomy and capacity to implement tailored solutions that directly benefit its residents.
The meeting with EU representatives underscores the importance of international partnerships in advancing Freetown’s development agenda. Collaboration with organizations like the European Union not only provides access to funding and technical expertise but also facilitates knowledge sharing and best practices from global experiences.
