AYV News, June 18, 2026
The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alfred Jamiru, has identified the failure of many residents to pay for waste collection services and the widespread use of plastic materials as major contributors to Freetown’s growing waste management challenges.
Speaking on efforts to improve sanitation in the capital, the Deputy Minister urged residents to develop a culture of responsible waste management by subscribing to registered waste collection service providers and ensuring that household refuse is properly disposed of.
He warned against the indiscriminate dumping of garbage into gutters, drainage channels, and along streets, noting that such practices contribute to environmental degradation, flooding, and serious public health concerns.
According to Jamiru, poor sanitation continues to pose significant health risks to citizens and undermines efforts aimed at creating a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.
The Deputy Minister further disclosed that the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, the Sierra Leone Police, and the Freetown City Council (FCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in addressing waste management challenges across the city.
He explained that the agreement is intended to improve coordination among key institutions responsible for sanitation, law enforcement, and local governance, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of waste management interventions.
Jamiru expressed confidence that the partnership would contribute significantly to improving environmental cleanliness, promoting public health, and ensuring compliance with waste disposal regulations.
The Government, he said, remains committed to working with local authorities, communities, and other stakeholders to address sanitation challenges and promote responsible environmental practices throughout the country.
He also called on residents to play their part by supporting waste management initiatives and helping to keep their communities clean and safe.
The renewed collaboration among government institutions forms part of broader efforts to improve urban sanitation and create a healthier living environment for residents of Freetown.
