The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, has engaged in discussions with the Irish Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Aidan Fitzpatrick, and Mark Finegan, Director of the Civil Society Unit in Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, on enhancing collaboration in sustainable waste management.

During their meeting on Monday, February 24, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr highlighted the Kingtom Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant, a pioneering initiative that processes liquid waste into briquettes—an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cooking fuels.

With an estimated 82% of Freetown households relying on wood or charcoal for cooking, the mayor emphasized the significance of this project in addressing deforestation while simultaneously improving liquid waste management in the city.

The discussions explored potential partnerships between Freetown’s local government and Ireland’s development cooperation efforts, focusing on environmental sustainability and public health benefits.

By promoting the use of briquettes as an alternative fuel source, the initiative seeks to mitigate the adverse environmental impact of deforestation and enhance sanitation services in the capital.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s engagement with international partners underscores Freetown’s commitment to innovative solutions that balance environmental protection with social and economic development.

The collaboration with Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs is expected to further bolster efforts aimed at creating a cleaner and more sustainable city.