Freetown Faces Floods And Pollution as First Rain of The Season Hits

Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone, experienced a heavy downpour in the early morning hours of April 22nd, marking the first significant rain of the season.

While the rains brought relief from the heat, they also exposed a serious challenge to the city: flooding of major streets combined with an influx of trash, exacerbating pollution levels.

Images circulating on social media depicted streets littered with plastic bags, bottles, and other waste, creating an unsightly and hazardous environment. The flooding not only disrupts daily life but also poses health risks to residents as stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests.

The heavy rain and resulting trash accumulation have caused significant transportation disruptions on some parts of Freetown. The overflow of trash has forced both public and private vehicles to use only one side of the street, leading to traffic congestion and delays.

This situation adds to the challenges faced by residents and commuters in the area, exacerbating the already existing problems of flooding and pollution.

Citizens are growing increasingly concerned and are calling on Freetown’s Mayor, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, to address the situation urgently. With the rainy season just beginning, there are fears that these issues will persist and worsen in the coming months.