The Freetown Cable Car project received significant attention at the Cable Car World Congress held in Essen, Germany, under the auspices of Dr. Volker Wissing, the German Federal Minister for Digital and Transport.
The event gathered prominent figures from national and municipal governments, cable car manufacturers, construction companies, and professional advisors, all committed to integrating cable cars into green urban mobility solutions.
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to promote the Freetown Cable Car project at such a prestigious event.” Mayor Aki-Sawyerr was hosted by the Mayor of Essen on Monday evening and responded to his warm welcome.
The Congress officially began on Tuesday morning with a statement from Hartmut Hoppner, the German State Secretary for Digital and Transport.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr followed with a welcome address. Throughout the two-day event, she participated in a panel discussion on cable car financing, presented an overview of the Freetown Cable Car Project, and engaged in bilateral meetings with manufacturers, potential financiers, and advisors.
“The availability of the technical and financial feasibility studies, funded by C40 Cities Climate Finance Facility and conducted by GIZ, significantly increased interest from potential participants,” Mayor Aki-Sawyerr noted.
She highlighted the support from the Sierra Leone Ministry of Transport and the alignment with the World Bank-funded Integrated and Resilient Urban Mobility Projects as key factors strengthening the investment case.
The Freetown Cable Car Project proposes three lines: the East Corridor, the Mountain Corridor, and the West Corridor. Feasibility studies have been completed for the 3.6 km East Corridor route, which will reduce travel time from Kissy Ferry Terminal to Government Wharf to just 14.5 minutes.
Reflecting on the productive discussions at the Congress, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr said, “Our engagements have been extremely constructive. We are now moving forward with structuring and securing the financing for the Freetown Cable Car Project, aiming to complete this step within the next 6 to 9 months.”
The Freetown Cable Car Project is poised to transform urban mobility, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times in Sierra Leone’s capital city.
