By Foday Moriba Conteh
Freetown Waste Transformers (FWT) an Organic Waste-to-Energy Solutions Provider in Sierra Leone on Friday 13th December, 2024 launched the first innovative USSD feature ‘DortiBox’ App short code *380# in a drive to transform Freetown.
The innovative USSD feature which is available on Orange mobile network, is designed to promote the digitalization of waste management services. This solution will simplify access to waste management services for users, especially those with limited access to smartphones, while supporting the Freetown City Council’s (FCC) digital transformation initiatives.
The official launch and engagement with community stakeholders, took place at the Hillside Bypass Road, Model, in Freetown marking a significant milestone for FWT, as they begin implementing waste management services in Block 6, following their recent contract award.
FWT take all food waste and turn it into electricity, heat and fertilizer right at an individual’s location and cut costs on energy and waste management bills. The ‘DortiBox mobile app’ was developed as a means of coordinating waste management activities across the sector, which directly feeds into FWT’s waste-to-energy project.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, FWT, Madam Aminata Dumbuya stated that the launch is a significant step towards improving waste management in Freetown.
She pointed out that she has rolled out the upgraded ‘DortiBox’ app, transitioning from version 1.0 to 2.0, stressing on the significant of the innovative which is designed to streamline waste collection services, includes a USSD code *380#` that enables residents without access to smartphones to register for waste collection services easily.
“Cleanliness is next to godliness,” resonates deeply within the community as the initiative seeks to empower residents to take responsibility for their environment. With a concession period of five years, the goal is to ensure waste collection from every household and business in Block 6, even if full capacity isn’t reached in the first year,” she stated.
To achieve these ambitious goals, Aminata Dumbuya pointed out that the project will work alongside established waste enterprises in the area to harmonize operations and improve service delivery.
She added that by building strong relationships with local providers, the initiative aims to enhance waste collection efficiency and community engagement.
Having been involved in the waste management sector since 2010, the founder of Freetown Waste Transformers is committed to leveraging technology and innovative waste-to-energy solutions. These efforts aim to create a comprehensive ecosystem for waste management, integrating digital applications and small-scale energy technologies.
A critical component of this initiative is empowering the youth of Freetown. By involving them in waste collection efforts, the project not only addresses waste management challenges but also creates job opportunities, fostering a sense of community responsibility.
As Block 6 embarks on this transformative journey, the collaboration between local leaders, the Freetown City Council (FCC) and residents is crucial. With a shared vision of cleanliness and sustainability, the community is well on its way to setting a new standard for waste management in Freetown.
Speaking on behalf of stakeholders, Chief Yalimamy Fofanah thanked and congratulated the FWT CEO for winning the contract to transform Freetown.
She promised that her community will work with the company for them to achieve their goal and further pleaded with participants to stop giving their garbage’s to “Klin Salone guys” underscoring how they will not take the garbage to the right destination.
She further encouraged them to embrace the opportunity as the money generated by the company will be given back to the community once they transform the waste into energy that will benefit the whole country.
DortiBox is a waste management tool (software) that allows households to request and schedule waste management service from the comfort of their homes.
DortiBox can be downloaded from both Google Play Store and IOS App Stores.
