By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, Sierra Leone — May 13, 2025: In a bid to tackle waste management issues and improve public health, the Freetown City Council (FCC) has launched ‘Operation Dorti Mus Go;, an initiative aimed at enforcing the newly introduced Solid and Liquid Waste Collection Byelaws 2024. The byelaws, designed to modernize the city’s waste management system, mandate structured waste collection through FCC-approved waste management firms, ensuring compliance among residents and businesses.
New Regulations and Enforcement Measures
Under the byelaws, Freetown has been divided into eight waste management blocks to enhance service delivery, with strict penalties for non-compliance. Residents and businesses are required to register and pay for waste collection services, while illegal dumping, burning of waste, and disposal in streets, waterways, and public spaces are prohibited.
Additionally, the regulations ban unauthorized trading, vehicle repairs on public roads, use of streets for washing, and indiscriminate storage of building materials in public spaces. Violators could face fines of up to Nle 5,000, six months imprisonment, or both.
Rising Waste Challenges in Freetown
Studies indicate that Freetown generates over 851 tons of municipal solid waste daily, with organic waste accounting for 78% of total waste. Plastic waste generation has surged from 7.6% in 2020 to 13% in 2023, signaling an urgent need for intervention. Experts predict that by 2050, waste generation could exceed 2,000 tons per day, underscoring the critical importance of a structured waste management system.
Mayor’s Commitment to a Cleaner City
In her remarks, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr described the initiative as a transformative step toward a cleaner Freetown.
“The new byelaws and the start of Operation Dorti Mus Go mark a significant milestone in our mission to improve waste management. We are taking bold steps to create cleaner communities, protect our environment, and enhance public health,” she stated.
To ensure effective implementation, FCC will roll out city-wide awareness campaigns across social media and traditional media platforms, educating residents on compliance and the benefits of proper waste management.
Addressing Longstanding Waste Management Issues
Freetown has long struggled with rapid urbanization, population growth, and inadequate waste disposal mechanisms, leading to widespread environmental hazards. Informal settlements, in particular, face severe health risks due to unregulated waste dumping in waterways, drainages, and under footbridges.
With Operation Dorti Mus Go, FCC aims to eliminate illegal dumping, streamline waste collection services, and foster a culture of environmental responsibility among residents.
As enforcement measures take effect, city officials urge community cooperation in making Freetown a model for effective waste management and urban sustainability.