Mayor Aki-Sawyer Evaluates New Water and Sanitation Infrastructure in Freetown

Mayor Aki-Sawyer Evaluates New Water and Sanitation Infrastructure in Freetown

Freetown's Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE conducted an extensive inspection tour on Saturday, June 27, 2026, to assess the progress of newly completed water kiosks and public sanitation facilities across the city. The initiative, central to the Freetown City Council’s (FCC) Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure programme, aims to bolster city-wide access to reliable clean water and improved sanitation.

The inspection covered several key sites, including Jah Kingdom in Kamayama, Congo Town Market, Owen Street in Mountain Cut, and Pamronkoh in Calaba Town. Recent completions include a solar-powered water kiosk and a four-unit public toilet facility in Jah Kingdom, alongside new facilities in Congo Town, Mountain Cut, and Calaba Town.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr, accompanied by local councillors and FCC representatives, commended community members for their pivotal role in facilitating the land necessary for construction. "Your determination and support throughout the process have made these projects possible," the Mayor noted. "I encourage you to take ownership of these facilities and ensure they are properly maintained for the benefit of current and future generations."

Looking ahead, the FCC plans to implement a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to ensure the long-term sustainability of these assets, emphasizing community involvement in oversight. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr also addressed broader urban planning challenges, noting that while the Council is dedicated to meeting immediate sanitation needs, stronger land-use policies remain essential to mandate sanitation infrastructure in future housing developments.

This infrastructure drive is part of a broader collaboration between the FCC and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) under the Blue Peace Initiative.

The project is slated to deliver a total of 65 water kiosks and 15 public toilet facilities—comprising 60 units—across Freetown, representing a significant stride toward equitable access to basic services for thousands of residents.