Myk Berewa Criticizes Mayor Aki-Sawyerr Flood Response, Calls for Real Infrastructure

The Director of Communications in the Office of the President, Myk Berewa, has questioned the effectiveness of ongoing flood prevention efforts led by the Freetown City Council (FCC), describing them as insufficient given the scale of Freetown’s flooding problems and the need for stronger infrastructure.

In a social media post, Berewa stated that the cleaning of gutters and sweeping of streets, while helpful, are not long-term flood solutions. He called for the construction of proper infrastructure such as dams, flood walls, and reservoirs to protect the city.

Berewa also made reference to what he called “red lipstick wok,” a pointed remark widely understood to be directed at Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, who is often seen wearing red lipstick. The comment has since gained attention online.

The FCC is currently leading a major flood mitigation initiative that has mobilized over 1,000 young people to clear blocked drains and remove silt from flood-prone communities across Freetown. The clean-up campaign is part of the Council’s “Dorti Mus Go” initiative, launched on June 27, 2025.

Work has taken place in several areas including Mayenkineh in Calaba Town, Taylor Street at Kissy Old Road, Guard Street Market, Car Wash in Tengbeh Town, Signal Hill dump sites, Congo Cross, Macauley Street, Wallace Johnson Street, and other locations managed by the FCC.

According to the Council, an average of 50 young people per community have been involved in the daily cleaning over the past two weeks. The initiative also promotes the use of registered waste service providers and enforces new sanitation bylaws.

Funding for the current phase of work has come from FCC’s own-source revenue, Irish Aid, the Chinese Embassy, the Road Maintenance Fund Administration (RMFA), and other partners.

FCC officials have commended their Sanitation and Disaster Risk Management units for coordinating the activities. Residents are being encouraged not to dump waste in drains and to use approved waste collectors.

While the FCC continues its city-wide clean-up and urges residents to take responsibility for waste disposal, Berewa’s remarks have opened broader discussion about the limits of local government efforts. As calls grow for long-term solutions to Freetown’s flooding challenges, questions remain about whether the central government is providing the level of support and infrastructure investment needed to match those expectations.