Byu George M.O. Williams
Freetown, May 21, 2026: Mayor Yvonne Aki‑Sawyer has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to transforming the capital’s Central Business District (CBD) into a safer, cleaner, greener, and more walkable city through the ongoing CBD Regeneration Project.
Speaking during an inspection of pavement improvement works on Wallace Johnson Street, Gloucester Street, George Street, and other major roads, the Mayor said the initiative is designed to ease congestion, improve pedestrian safety, and enhance the city’s urban environment.
Pavement and Street Upgrades
The project involves the installation of interlocking blocks along 11 major streets to create dedicated pedestrian pathways and reduce the risks of pedestrians sharing roads with vehicles.
Implemented by the Freetown City Council in collaboration with GOAL Sierra Leone and UN‑Habitat, the initiative is funded by the City of Zurich and executed by contractor CL Group.
Greening and Parking Interventions
Mayor Aki‑Sawyer disclosed that the regeneration effort also includes greening interventions, with special attention to the preservation and beautification of the Cotton Tree area, one of Freetown’s most iconic landmarks.
She further announced the introduction of a controlled parking zone with a metered, pay‑as‑you‑go system aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving orderliness within the city center.
Solar Street Lighting
In addition to pavement improvements, the project will see the installation of 196 solar‑powered street lights across the 11 CBD streets, enhancing safety and visibility at night.
The Mayor noted that the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), whose mandate covers pavement construction and rehabilitation.
Transform Freetown Agenda
Authorities say the regeneration project is expected to move more pedestrians off vehicle roads by creating safer, more accessible pathways.
Mayor Aki‑Sawyer emphasized that the CBD regeneration forms part of the broader Transform Freetown agenda, which seeks to improve urban infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.