Mayor of the Freetown City Council, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, has announced the gazetting of the new Freetown City Council Sanitation Byelaw.

In a post on her personal social media page, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr expressed her excitement about this significant milestone.

She extended her thanks to Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs Hon. Tamba Lamina, the Law Officers Department, and her FCC Sanitation team for their support in achieving this goal. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr also called for the support of all parliamentarians as the bill moves forward in the legislative process.

The new sanitation byelaw is a major step in the Freetown City Council’s efforts to transform Freetown and improve the lives of its citizens.

Summary of Freetown City Council Bye Laws

Child Labor:

  • Children under 14 cannot work in most industries, including cinemas, theaters, nightclubs, and hazardous occupations.
  • Children aged 14-17 can only work in light jobs like agriculture, delivery, and retail.
  • Working hours are restricted to before school or after 7 PM.
  • Employers must notify the council and obtain a medical examination for child employees.

Animals:

  • Dogs must be registered, vaccinated, and leashed in public.
  • Animals cannot be kept in unhealthy conditions.
  • Permits are required for commercial animal use.
  • Unregistered animals may be impounded and sold or destroyed.

Nuisance:

  • Premises must be kept clean and healthy.
  • Waste accumulation and harmful pollution are prohibited.
  • Public spaces must be kept clean and free from obstructions.
  • Unauthorized advertising and noise pollution are also prohibited.

Prohibited Use of Public Places:

  • Littering, urination, defecation, and illegal dumping are prohibited.
  • Storing building materials, selling bush sticks, or using public spaces for vehicle repair, welding, or car washing is not allowed.
  • Unauthorized vehicles or materials may be forfeited to the council.

Penalties:

Violators of any of these bye laws face a fine of up to five hundred thousand Leones or imprisonment for up to six months.