Freetown, 30 April 2025** — The long-awaited Wilberforce Village Market Complex was officially commissioned yesterday by Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, marking a significant milestone for the community and a promise fulfilled.
“I was thrilled to officially commission the Wilberforce Village Market Complex today, delivering on my commitment to residents,” said Mayor Aki-Sawyerr. “During a meeting I held with market women and community stakeholders in 2018, the people of Wilberforce requested the completion of their market structure, which at the time had just a ground floor and pillars.”
The project was first initiated under former Mayor Franklyn Bode Gibson, based on a community needs assessment. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized the importance of continuity in public service: “Its eventual completion under my tenure reflects the importance of continuity for sustainable development.”
The newly completed market complex includes a traditional wet goods section on the ground floor, 11 dry goods shops on the second floor, a dedicated entertainment space with a built-in stage on the third floor, and additional storage facilities in the basement and rear of the building.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr revealed that the project cost NLe5.5 million (5.5 billion old leones), with the majority of funding sourced from the Freetown City Council’s own revenue through property rates and business licenses. Bloomberg Philanthropies also contributed a donation of USD 200,000.
“We are proud that the market construction was largely funded by Freetonians,” she stated, expressing gratitude to all contributors, including contractor Alpha Sesay of Ya Marie Enterprises, council members, city staff, and local stakeholders. “Their unwavering commitment played a crucial role in bringing this market project to fruition.”
The mayor also acknowledged former Mayor Gibson and several community leaders, noting, “This is our collective achievement and we look forward to the positive impact that this structure will have in the community.”
To ensure ongoing maintenance and management, the Freetown City Council will contract a professional company to oversee operations of the facility.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Alfred Jamiru, and representatives from markets across Freetown. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr used the occasion to announce broader plans for market renovations and constructions across the city.
“Freetown City Council has conducted engineering assessments for 44 markets in the city,” she said, “and will be proceeding with major repairs at Kroo Town Road, Portee, Bombay Street and Lumley markets, as well as constructing a new market in Allen Town before the end of 2025.”
However, she stressed that future improvements depend on public cooperation: “These market improvements can only be made if Freetonians pay their property rates and business licenses.”
“Today was a memorable day and a very visible reminder that it is possible to convert hope to reality,” the mayor concluded.
