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Freetown City Council has officially launched the Zurich-Freetown City-to-City Cooperation (C2CC) initiative, marking a significant step in the regeneration of the city’s Central Business District (CBD).
The launch took place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, as part of a partnership aimed at revitalizing the city center to create a more attractive, vibrant, and welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and tourists.
The initiative, which will be implemented over five years, is being financed by the Zurich-Freetown C2CC partnership with a funding commitment of CHF 2.5 million. UN-Habitat will provide technical expertise and support the Freetown City Council in ensuring the successful delivery of the project.
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its transformative potential. “I met Hon. Stadtpräsidentin Corine Mauch, Mayor of Zurich City, five years ago, and we discussed the challenges of Freetown. Today, that conversation has materialized into a tangible intervention,” she stated. She extended her appreciation to Mayor Mauch and Stadt Zürich for their unwavering support.
The Freetown CBD Regeneration Project comprises four key components aimed at improving the city’s infrastructure and environment:
Establishment of Controlled Parking Zones: This will help manage traffic congestion and enhance accessibility in the CBD.
Repair and Extension of Pavements: Upgraded pedestrian pathways will improve mobility and safety.
Installation of Street Lights: Better lighting will enhance security and visibility at night.
Introduction of More Green Spaces: New parks and landscaped areas will promote sustainability and provide recreational spaces for residents.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized that this partnership reflects a shared vision for urban development and innovation. She noted that the project is not just an infrastructure upgrade but a critical step toward transforming Freetown into a modern, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable city.
