Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr made a public appeal to city residents regarding littering, urging them to take responsibility for maintaining a clean city.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr acknowledged the efforts of the Freetown City Council (FCC) but emphasized the need for citizen cooperation. “The majority of people, even those with responsible jobs, simply don’t dispose of their waste properly,” she stated.

She highlighted the environmental consequences of littering, drawing a connection between deforestation and rising temperatures. “We all want a clean Freetown,” she said, “but a clean city requires everyone to do their part. Our hardworking FCC cleaners sweep our streets every day, but they cannot do it alone.”

The Mayor announced plans to introduce new laws and systems to tackle littering. “Embracing these changes is crucial,” she stressed. “A clean city attracts tourists, creates jobs, and strengthens our economy.”

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr also emphasized the importance of citizen participation. “Our previous campaign theme was #Transform Freetown,” she explained. “Now, we’re moving forward with #Transform Freetown Transforming Lives, which requires everyone’s involvement.”

The Mayor concluded by reminding residents of the existing 2010 bylaws that make littering a finable offense. She acknowledged enforcement challenges due to limited manpower but stressed that keeping the city clean is a civic duty. “Let’s all play our part,” she concluded.