By Suliaman T Jalloh
Following a warning from the Disaster Management Agency about heavy rainfall expected in the coming days, the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, has called for urgent collaboration among all relevant stakeholders to mitigate the risk of flooding in the city.
The Mayor urged residents—particularly those living in hilltop and flood-prone areas—to remain alert and consider relocating temporarily until the severe weather passes. She emphasized the importance of preparedness and community responsibility in preventing disaster.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr also warned against the continued practice of dumping garbage in waterways, which obstructs drainage systems and exacerbates flooding risks. “People are throwing waste into gutters, and this has blocked the natural flow of water,” she said. “We all must take responsibility to keep our environment clean and safe.”
She noted that the Freetown City Council (FCC) has already embarked on routine cleaning operations across key areas of the city to reduce the likelihood of flooding. In the coming days, she announced, the FCC will partner with the Wellington community to carry out a major cleanup operation.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr also called on the Ministry of Lands and Housing to grant the FCC authority to issue building permits, stressing that the lack of urban planning is a serious contributing factor to Freetown’s recurrent flash floods. “Without proper regulation of construction, the city remains vulnerable,” she stated.
As heavy rains loom, the Mayor’s message is clear: only through cooperation, responsibility, and coordinated action can Freetown reduce the impact of flooding and protect lives and property.
