The Freetown City Council has on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, officially handed over the Kingtom Dumpsite to Sierra Evergreen marking a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to modernize waste management, enhance environmental sustainability and improve public health.
The ceremony, held at the dumpsite, brought together FCC Councillors, municipal officials, representatives of Sierra Evergreen, community stakeholders and environmental advocates, all eager to witness the launch of a long-awaited transformation project.
This handover marks the beginning of a major cleanup, rehabilitation and modernization initiative aimed at converting the decades-old dumpsite into an efficient and environmentally friendly waste management facility. For years, Kingtom has been associated with uncontrolled waste disposal, frequent fire outbreaks, air pollution and severe health risks to surrounding communities.
In her address, while handling over the dumpsite, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE described the event as “a turning point for Freetown’s environmental future,” noting that rapid urban population growth has strained the city’s waste management systems.
“What we are witnessing today is the beginning of a new era,” she said. “By partnering with Sierra Evergreen, we are improving waste disposal systems and prioritizing the health, dignity and welfare of our citizens. Freetown deserves clean air, clean spaces and a future where environmental hazards are minimized. Since I became Mayor, my number one priority has been the environment and tackling dirty business. We cannot serve our city fully if we do not confront this challenge.”
According to FCC, the takeover of the Kingtom dumpsite by Sierra Forever Green Ltd, now assuming full management responsibilities, will significantly reduce operational costs for the Council. The move aligns with the broader Transform Freetown–Transforming Lives agenda.
The project includes plans to process up to 30 tons of plastic waste daily, a key step toward modern recycling infrastructure in the city. The initiative is also expected to foster youth employment, with an estimated 500 jobs to be created for young people involved in waste collection, sorting and recycling activities.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr highlighted that “dirty has value,” emphasizing that waste can be transformed into economic opportunities. She reiterated the importance of residents registering with FCC-approved waste service providers to support the city’s cleanliness and sustainability goals.
The Mayor assured the public that, by next year, the revamped facility will be fully operational, including an upgraded plastic recycling system that converts waste into pellets; a significant improvement from small-scale recycling efforts of the past.
Workers, she added, will be properly trained, equipped and managed under a structured operational plan. Security measures including perimeter fencing, gates and security personnel will be implemented to ensure responsible site operations.
“Cleaner cities are built through collective responsibility,” she said. “Let us work together to ensure that the transformation of Kingtom becomes a proud example of what we can achieve when we unite behind a common purpose.”
Chadi Ghaovi, Director of Sierra Evergreen, expressed appreciation to the Mayor and the Council for their leadership. He pledged the company’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and environmentally friendly waste management system.
“Together, we can transform what is now the ‘Black Mountain’ into a thriving green valley; a symbol of environmental progress and hope for future generations,” he said.
Local residents have welcomed the initiative as a long-awaited relief from pollution and the health risks associated with the dumpsite. “We want to breathe clean air again,” said Mariam Kamara, a neighborhood resident. “This project gives us hope that our children will live in a safer environment.”
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic handover between the Mayor and Sierra Evergreen, publicly sealing the municipality’s commitment to sustainable waste management and youth empowerment.
