On Friday, August 2, 2024, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown met with residents of the Kroo Bay community to discuss the Freetown City Council's (FCC) planned demolition of structures built on illegally reclaimed land.
The decision to demolish these structures arises from concerns about the continuous rainfall and the increasing risk of coastal flooding. The illegal land reclamation, often carried out through waste dumping, has contributed to ocean and beach pollution.
During her address to the large gathering of Kroo
Bay residents, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr underscored the importance of the demolition
as a preventive measure to avoid potential disasters and protect lives within
the community. She emphasized that the safety of residents is the primary
concern, and removing these structures is necessary to mitigate the risk of
flooding and other environmental hazards.
The Mayor further explained that the demolition would be followed by an environmental restoration project. Over 200 members of the Kroo Bay community will be employed for an initial period of one year to plant 75,000 mangroves.
This initiative, part of the “FreetownTheTreeTown”
project funded by the World Bank, aims to replace the demolished structures
with mangrove plantations. The community members will also be tasked with monitoring
the growth of the mangroves, contributing to environmental conservation and
providing a sustainable livelihood opportunity.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr was accompanied by Councillors
Abdulai Kabba and Turu Bailor, as well as the FCC's Environmental and Sanitation
Officer and members of the Metropolitan Police. The presence of these officials
highlighted the seriousness of the city's commitment to addressing the
environmental challenges facing Kroo Bay and the broader Freetown area.
The Mayor's engagement with the Kroo Bay
community reflects a broader effort to involve residents in the decision-making
process and ensure they are informed about the reasons behind the planned
actions. The demolition and subsequent environmental initiatives are part of a
comprehensive strategy to enhance Freetown's resilience to climate change and
improve the city's environmental health.
The “FreetownTheTreeTown” initiative represents a
key component of this strategy, focusing on increasing urban greenery and
promoting sustainable environmental practices. The planting of mangroves, in
particular, is expected to play a crucial role in stabilizing the coastal
ecosystem, preventing soil erosion, and enhancing biodiversity.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr reassured the residents that
the FCC would work closely with the community throughout the process. She
encouraged residents to cooperate with the authorities and take part in the
restoration efforts, highlighting the long-term benefits of creating a safer
and more sustainable living environment.
The engagement at Kroo Bay underscores the FCC's proactive approach to addressing illegal land reclamation and its consequences. By prioritizing community safety and environmental sustainability, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr and her team aim to foster a more resilient and environmentally conscious city.
Collaboration with local residents and international
partners like the World Bank signifies a united effort to tackle Freetown's
environmental challenges and pave the way for a greener future.