On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the Freetown City Council officially launched the Cable Car Feasibility Study Presentation. The event was hosted by the Deputy Administrator, who served as the master of ceremonies.

The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, delivered the opening address, emphasizing the significance of the cable car project for the municipality.

She noted that the project began over two and a half years ago, during which time they were strategizing and collaborating to make the vision a reality.

The mayor highlighted how the cable car system could alleviate the challenges and delays in transportation within Freetown. She mentioned that while it currently takes two to three hours to travel from Kissy Terminal to Government Wharf by bus, keke, or motorbike, the cable car would reduce this travel time to just 15 minutes.

The mayor also underscored the project’s potential to create around 3,000 jobs, with a focus on providing employment opportunities for women. She acknowledged several key financial supporters, including the UK Government, the French Development Agency (AFD), and USAID, with GIZ serving as one of the implementation agencies for the project.

The Deputy Mayor of Freetown also spoke at the event, reiterating the mayor’s remarks and emphasizing that this initiative is part of a broader agenda to transform both the city and the lives of its residents.

The project’s lead engineer shared insights into the technical aspects of the cable car system, noting that it would rely primarily on solar energy, with two backup power systems in place to ensure reliable electricity for operations.

Representatives from the British High Commission and the German Ambassador to Sierra Leone were among the other distinguished speakers. Additionally, the Deputy Financial Secretary, standing in for the Financial Secretary, assured attendees that the government would do everything possible to bring the project to fruition