The city of Freetown is witnessing remarkable strides in urban development, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Freetown City Council (FCC) and the World Bank. Recently, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr hosted a high-level delegation led by Franz Drees-Gross, the West Africa Regional Director for Infrastructure at the World Bank, to assess the progress of the Resilient Urban Sierra Leone Project (RUSLP).
This initiative is a testament to the city’s commitment to sustainable growth, environmental conservation, and improved living conditions for its residents. The delegation, which included Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist Francis Samson Nkoka and PIU Lead Anthony Koroma, visited critical project sites in Freetown to witness firsthand the transformative impact of these interventions.
Key Highlights of the Visit
The delegation explored various projects funded under RUSLP, including the innovative FreetownTheTreeTown initiative, the review of Freetown’s structure plan, and the significant upgrade of informal settlements in Moyiba, Coconut Farm, and Portee Rokupr.
In these informal settlements, transformative work is underway, including:
- Construction of 3.7 km of roads and 7.72 km of drainage.
- Installation of 355 streetlights to enhance safety.
- Establishment of 44 water points and sanitation facilities for improved hygiene.
- Development of walkways and steps to ensure accessibility in these vulnerable communities.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr and the delegation also visited the Tower Hill Guma Compound on Wesley Street, where 1,000 trees have been planted with RUSLP funding. These efforts are part of a larger goal to plant and digitally track 13,700 trees, addressing deforestation and promoting sustainability.
Inspiring Stories of Change
The visit highlighted the human stories behind these projects. Zakiatu, a young woman from FEDURP (a community-based organization managing catchment 3), captivated the delegation by demonstrating how trees planted in 2021 have grown over three meters tall. Her dedication and passion reflect the broader community's role in ensuring the success of these initiatives.
Driving Impact and Transformation
The upgrades and tree-planting initiatives signify more than just infrastructural improvements—they represent a brighter future for thousands of Freetonians. From safer streets and cleaner water to a greener environment, these projects are paving the way for resilience and sustainability in the face of urban challenges.
A Commitment to Progress
The World Bank delegation expressed their admiration for the FCC's dedication to transforming Freetown through impactful projects. As Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr continues to lead with vision and tenacity, the Transform Freetown campaign is living up to its promise of improving lives and fostering a more sustainable city.
These efforts remind us all that collaboration and a shared commitment to progress can drive extraordinary change. Freetown is not just growing—it is transforming into a beacon of hope and resilience for Sierra Leone and beyond.
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