AYV News, May 5, 2025
In a landmark event marking a significant step toward improving local trade infrastructure, the Mayor of Freetown, Her Worship Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, officially commissioned the newly completed Wilberforce Village Market Complex. The commissioning fulfills a long-standing promise made to the residents of Wilberforce and highlights the value of continuity in governance and development.
The multi-storey market complex, originally conceptualized during the administration of former Mayor Franklyn Bode Gibson, was left incomplete for years. In 2018, during community engagements with market women and stakeholders, residents appealed to Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr for its completion. Under her leadership, the project was revitalized and expanded into a modern, functional trading facility.
The newly inaugurated market complex goes beyond traditional expectations. It now comprises:
• A wet goods market on the ground floor;
• 11 purpose-built shops for dry goods and textiles on the second floor;
• A third-floor entertainment area featuring a built-in stage;
• Storage facilities located in the basement and at the rear of the building.
“This is more than just a market it’s a symbol of partnership between Government and community and of what we can achieve through innovation and commitment,” Mayor Aki-Sawyerr said during the commissioning ceremony.
The NLe5.5 million (5.5 billion old Leones) project was primarily financed through Freetown City Council’s internally generated revenue, including property rates and business licenses paid by residents. Bloomberg Philanthropies also contributed generously with a donation of USD 200,000. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr commended Freetonians for their civic contributions, stating that: “This market was built by Freetonians for Freetonians.”
She expressed gratitude to the contractor, Alpha Sesay of Ya Marie Enterprises, for his dedication, as well as to the Deputy Mayor, Kweku Lisk Esq., Councillors and the FCC administrative team for their support in executing the project.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr extended appreciation to key community stakeholders and former officials whose efforts laid the groundwork for the project, including former Mayor Franklyn Bode Gibson, former MPs Hon. Alimamy Kamara and Hon. Chernor Maju Bah, former Defence Minister, Alfred Paolo Conteh, and former Councillor Aminata Gibril. She also praised Market Chairlady, Nanah Benjamin and community elder, Pa Jones, for their continued advocacy.
“This market belongs to all of us—it’s a collective achievement,” the Mayor noted.
At the event, attended by the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alfred Jamiru and representatives of market leadership across the city, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr announced future plans for market development. Engineering assessments have been completed for 44 markets in Freetown and major repairs are set to begin at Kroo Town Road, Portee, Bombay Street and Lumley markets. A new market will also be constructed in Allen Town by the end of 2025.
However, the Mayor emphasized that continued development is dependent on civic responsibility: “The progress we make depends on your continued support through timely payment of property rates and business licenses.”
To ensure long-term maintenance and effective operation of the Wilberforce Market Complex, the FCC will engage a professional management company. This strategic move aims to preserve the structure’s integrity and ensure it remains a clean, safe and organized space for traders and customers alike.
The commissioning has been hailed as a significant achievement not just for Wilberforce but for Freetown at large. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr concluded, “Today is a reminder that hope, backed by action, can be transformed into reality.”
