The Freetown City Council (FCC), working with the Sierra Leone Police, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, announced new measures to address sanitation challenges in Freetown. These full measures are designed to tackle long-standing issues of waste management and urban disorder. Updates on these initiatives were provided during the Government Weekly Press Conference held on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. The press conference, where the multi-agency approach was detailed, took place at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown, noting the government's unified commitment to improving the city's living conditions and public health. The collaborative effort shows the serious nature of the sanitation and urban planning challenges facing the capital.
New Waste Management Regulations
The new measures include the full enforcement of the Freetown City Council Solid and Liquid Waste Collection By-Laws 2024. These by-laws represent a significant step towards formalizing and regulating waste disposal practices across the municipality. Under these regulations, every household in Freetown is now required to register with an approved waste collection service provider. This mandate aims to ensure that all waste generated is properly collected and disposed of, thereby reducing illegal dumping and improving overall cleanliness. Failure to comply with this waste collection registration mandate is an offense, punishable by a fine of up to NLe5,000. This penalty is intended to serve as a strong deterrent against non-compliance, emphasizing the seriousness with which the authorities view proper waste management.
To facilitate the new waste management system and ensure efficient service delivery, Freetown has been divided into eight distinct operational blocks. These blocks stretch geographically from Orugu to Levuma, covering the entire city and ensuring full coverage for waste collection services. Waste collection fees have also been standardized under the new regulations, providing clarity and fairness to residents. These fees range from NLe15 for a 50-kilogram container to NLe25 for a 100-kilogram container, making waste disposal services accessible while covering operational costs. The division of the city into operational blocks aims to streamline waste collection efforts and ensure full coverage across the municipality, optimizing routes and resource allocation for waste service providers. The implementation of these by-laws seeks to improve sanitation and public health within Freetown, contributing to a cleaner and more orderly urban environment for all residents.
Multi-Agency Task Force In Action
A multi-agency task force has been established by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to address various issues within Freetown, moving beyond just waste management to broader urban order. This task force comprises personnel from multiple government bodies, signifying a coordinated approach to urban enforcement. The task force has begun addressing the illegal occupation of road reserves, pedestrian walkways, and other public spaces across the city. This initiative forms part of a broader effort to restore order and improve urban infrastructure, ensuring that public areas are accessible and safe for all citizens. The presence of illegal structures and encroachments has long been a challenge, contributing to congestion and hindering urban development.
Authorities involved in the task force’s operations have also begun demolishing makeshift structures. These structures were erected along road reserves and rights of way, contributing to congestion and obstructing public access, often without proper authorization or adherence to urban planning regulations. The demolition efforts are a direct consequence of the task force's mandate to reclaim public land and ensure compliance with urban planning regulations, which are key for the city's sustainable development. The actions aim to enhance public safety by clearing hazardous obstructions and facilitate cleaner, more accessible thoroughfares for residents, improving traffic flow and pedestrian movement. This proactive approach by the task force is key for enforcing urban planning laws and ensuring the proper use of public infrastructure.
Call for Public Cooperation
The Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, the Sierra Leone Police, and the Freetown City Council (FCC) have formally solidified their joint commitment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement outlines a collaborative framework for the ongoing enforcement drive, ensuring clear roles and responsibilities for each participating agency. The Sierra Leone Police reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the implementation and enforcement of the new waste management by-laws. Police officials stated their readiness to assist in ensuring compliance with the regulations across Freetown, emphasizing their key role in maintaining public order and safety during the initiative. Their involvement is vital for ensuring that enforcement actions are carried out smoothly and effectively. The joint effort aims to streamline operations and ensure a coordinated approach to improving urban sanitation and order, fostering a more livable and sustainable Freetown. The success of these initiatives will ultimately depend on sustained public cooperation and adherence to the new regulations.
