She narrated to President Bio that Freetown faces serious problems of poor sanitation, poor waste disposal and management, insufficient low-cost housing, poorly maintained roads, and lack of economic opportunities among others.

However, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr told the president she is determined to change all that and called on President Bio to endorse the new local tax receipt, adding that the payment certification would enhance revenue mobilization for the Freetown City Council, and that the local tax will be sold at Le 5,000. She said every Freetown resident should be able to afford the amount for the good of Freetown.

The tax she informed the president will target property owners, businesses and the ordinary man and woman, and urged that compliance would ultimately lead to the development of the city.

“Every Freetown resident should pay their taxes to make Freetown one of the most beautiful places. If no one goes to ask you to pay your local tax, it is incumbent upon all and sundry to go to the City Council office and pay their taxes. Revenue from those taxes will be used for their intended purposes,” she assured.

President Bio set the example. According to State House report, he was the first to pay the 2018 Local Tax on Tuesday. He welcomed the Mayor and her team to his office, saying that it was the responsibility of every resident of Freetown to support the Freetown City Council in their effort to make the city very attractive.

The President also urged everyone to pay their taxes, adding that the various councils in the country depend largely on local revenue mobilization for the development of their respective communities.