By George M.O. Williams
Sierra Leone — September 12, 2025: The Freetown City Council (FCC) has officially certified a new cohort of sanitation enforcement and community engagement workers under its flagship ‘Dorti Mus Go’ campaign. The certification ceremony, held on Friday at the FCC headquarters, marks a significant step in the Council’s ongoing efforts to improve waste management and enforce sanitation bye-laws across the city.
The newly trained workers have been assigned to zones covering the East, Central, and West of Freetown. Their role is to serve as community intermediaries—educating residents on proper waste disposal practices, collecting data, and supporting FCC Metropolitan Police in enforcing sanitation regulations.
The ‘Dorti Mus Go’ initiative has become a cornerstone of FCC’s sanitation strategy, aimed at addressing persistent waste disposal challenges and promoting behavioral change. Under the new bye-laws, all households and businesses are required to register with accredited waste collection service providers. Non-compliance will result in fines, and public institutions and entertainment venues will be closely monitored for adherence.
The community workers received specialized training in the use of reporting and sampling tools to enhance their effectiveness in the field.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining a clean and healthy city.
“An unsanitized environment is linked to many health challenges and discourages tourism. Keeping Freetown clean is a shared responsibility. Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable city for all,” she said.
The Mayor also highlighted recent improvements in waste collection, including the deployment of tricycles and strategically placed dustbins. However, she acknowledged that accessibility remains a challenge in certain communities and assured that additional solutions are being explored to close these gaps.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr urged residents to collaborate with sanitation service providers, enforcement teams, and the newly certified intermediaries to ensure the success of the campaign. She reiterated that lasting change requires collective effort and sustained community engagement.
The certification of these workers signals FCC’s commitment to building a cleaner Freetown through inclusive, grassroots-driven enforcement and education.