Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyer of the Freetown City Council (FCC) has issued a stern statement condemning what she described as the unauthorized seizure and alteration of the Ephraim Robinson Municipal Primary School playground in Congo Town by Hon. Alfred Thompson.

According to the Mayor, the playground, which is the property of the FCC, was altered without permission, creating safety hazards for the schoolchildren. She disclosed that Hon. Thompson initially proposed installing an astro turf on the playground, a gesture welcomed by FCC. However, his request to manage the playground as a commercial enterprise was rejected.
“Hon. Thompson proceeded to build concrete walls with a raised wire mesh around the playground without notification or authorization from FCC,” the Mayor stated. This construction, she added, has severely restricted access to the playground, effectively trapping children behind locked gates controlled solely by Hon. Thompson.

Mayor Aki-Sawyer emphasized the potential danger posed by the arrangement, highlighting the risk of stampedes in emergencies due to limited egress options. “The playground is primarily for the use of the school’s children, and their safety is non-negotiable,” she asserted.

Addressing rumors that the playground was leased to a church, the Mayor categorically denied the claims. She clarified that land leased to the Faith Healing Bible Church for a health center and small church is entirely separate from the playground.

Efforts by FCC, the Ministry of Western Area, the Office of National Security (ONS), and the Western Area Provincial Security Committee (PROSEC) to engage Hon. Thompson on the issue have been met with resistance. “Hon. Thompson has refused to attend any of the meetings convened to address his seizure of the playground,” the Mayor stated.

In collaboration with various government bodies and agencies, FCC is pushing for the restoration of unrestricted access to the playground for the schoolchildren. “Support for the school’s development is welcome, but it cannot come at the expense of safety and access for the pupils,” she concluded.

The FCC’s call for the resolution of the matter underscores its commitment to ensuring the welfare of the school’s children and the integrity of municipal properties.