Freetown, Sierra Leone – April 1, 2026 – The Freetown City Council (FCC) has expressed serious concern over the persistent neglect of building frontages, premises, and private drainage systems by many owners and occupiers across the municipality.
In a strongly worded public notice dated 31st March 2026, the Council highlighted how inadequate cleaning and waste management practices have led to unsightly piles of waste near drainages, creating unhealthy and environmentally hazardous conditions in the city.
The notice invokes Part III of the Freetown City Council Solid and Liquid Waste Collection Byelaws, 2024, specifically Clause 8(1)(a), which states:
> “An owner or occupier shall maintain and keep clean his frontage, premises and private drainage systems.”
Clause 8(2) further warns that any person who contravenes this sub-regulation commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding NLe 5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both a fine and imprisonment.
Full Enforcement Commenced
The Council announced that full enforcement of the byelaws has now commenced. The FCC Metropolitan Police have been deployed across the municipality to:
– Monitor compliance
– Conduct routine patrols
– Document violations
Any individual, business, or institution found violating the provisions will face immediate penalties, including:
– Fines not exceeding NLe 5,000
– Imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months
– Or both fine and imprisonment, as provided by law
A Shared Responsibility
The notice emphasizes that maintaining a clean city is not merely a legal obligation but a shared responsibility. It warns that when residents fail to maintain their frontages or misuse public spaces, the entire city suffers the consequences.
The FCC urged all residents, businesses, and institutions to cooperate fully and maintain their surroundings, reminding the public:
> “A clean city begins with you. Maintain your frontage. Dispose your waste properly. Respect public spaces and obey the law.”
The public notice was signed by the Chief Administrator of the Freetown City Council and officially dated 31st March 2026.
This enforcement drive comes as part of broader efforts to improve sanitation and environmental health in Sierra Leone’s capital, where poor waste management has long been a challenge in many urban areas.
Residents are advised to take immediate action to clean their frontages and ensure proper waste disposal to avoid penalties as the Metropolitan Police begin active monitoring.
