By George M. O. Williams
On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the Resilient Urban Sierra Leone Project (RUSLP), backed by $56.7 million in funding from the World Bank, convened a pivotal workshop at Freetown City Hall to review the Western Area Regional Structure Plan and the Freetown Structure Plan.
The event drew key stakeholders from government ministries, local authorities, and urban development experts to assess comprehensive strategies aimed at strengthening infrastructure resilience and improving disaster risk management across Sierra Leone’s urban centers. A major focus was solid waste management—identified as a central factor in the country’s ongoing urban flooding challenges.
Planning for the Future
Dr. Percy Toriro, representing the consulting team, warned that without strategic urban planning, Sierra Leone could face worsening congestion, development on sensitive wetlands, increased flooding, and failing infrastructure. He unveiled eight spatial plans developed for cities nationwide, offering a 20-year vision that integrates land use, housing, transport, and energy systems.
“These plans are not just about shaping cities—they must embody the aspirations of the people,” Toriro emphasized.
Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, praised the initiative, describing the consolidated report as “comprehensive” and a departure from fragmented planning efforts. She underscored the importance of stakeholder collaboration and legislative support to ensure successful implementation of the proposed strategies.
“We are breaking down silos and building a path forward together,” the Mayor stated.
RUSLP Project Manager, Anthony Koroma, highlighted the inclusive nature of the workshop, encouraging thorough evaluation of the consultant’s report. He reiterated that sustained commitment from central government ministries, municipalities, and development partners was critical to improving urban management, service delivery, and disaster response.
As Sierra Leone grapples with rapid urban growth, the RUSLP workshop marked a significant step toward building more resilient and livable cities for the future.