By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
In a groundbreaking step toward modernizing urban transportation and fostering environmentally conscious development, the Freetown City Council (FCC) convened a public consultation and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) session for the highly anticipated Freetown Cable Car Project. Held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Freetown City Hall Auditorium on Wallace Johnson Street, the event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including community residents, traditional leaders, Government officials and representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency of Sierra Leone (EPA-SL).
The gathering marked a pivotal moment in the progression of the project, offering the public a direct platform to interact with technical experts, voice concerns and gain deeper insight into the cable car’s expected impact. Central to the discussions was a feasibility study undertaken by Integrated Geo-information and Environmental Management Services (INTEGEMS) Limited, which laid the groundwork for assessing the initiative’s environmental and socio-economic viability.
At its core, the Freetown Cable Car Project envisions a dramatic shift in the city’s transportation landscape, aimed at alleviating long-standing urban challenges and bridging socio-economic divides. The pilot phase features a 3.6-kilometre route linking Government Wharf in the Central Business District to the Kissy Ferry Terminal in the East, with five strategically located stations: Government Wharf, East-End Police, Mountain Cut, Up Gun and Ferry Junction. The full journey is projected to last just 15 minutes, offering a swift and reliable commuting option for thousands of residents.
Proponents of the project underscore its transformative potential, particularly in providing vital access to underserved hillside communities. By easing movement to key areas such as schools, markets, hospitals and workplaces, the system is expected to drive inclusive growth and reduce urban inequality. The cable cars will be entirely solar-powered, backed by generators and support from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) to ensure uninterrupted operation. With an affordable fare of NLe16 for the full ride, the project aims to remain accessible to all.
Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Denise Aki-Sawyerr, addressed attendees with gratitude and optimism, acknowledging the community’s enthusiasm and support. She emphasized that what once seemed an ambitious dream is now on a clear path to reality, bolstered by its tangible benefits and growing international investment. Citing the $1 million funding from C40 Cities that enabled the detailed feasibility study, the Mayor reiterated that the cable car is more than an aspiration; it is a viable, bankable solution to the city’s chronic transportation woes.
She noted that the system is poised to deliver fast, clean and inclusive mobility, particularly benefiting school children, persons with disabilities and market women. By aligning with Freetown’s broader climate goals, the solar-powered infrastructure will not only provide convenience but also significantly reduce emissions and promote a healthier urban environment.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr also revealed that technical representatives from global cable car manufacturers Doppelmayr of Austria and Poma of France are expected in Freetown later this year. In a major development, the French Government has pledged to cover half the cost of the equipment, while ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Finance and interest from international bodies such as the World Bank and African Development Bank further underscore the credibility and promise of the project.
Deputy Mayor, Kweku Lisk, emphasized the critical role of public participation and transparency in infrastructure development. He highlighted the consultation as part of a strategic approach rooted in international best practices, calling attention to the need for open engagement with communities affected by the proposed towers, stations and routes. According to him, building such a system is not only about physical infrastructure but about creating trust and fostering a sustainable future for all.
He reaffirmed the project’s inclusive design, pointing to its potential to enhance mobility for vulnerable populations including girls, school children and business operators. He also credited the vital support of C40 Cities, a global network of cities committed to climate leadership, in advancing the initiative.
INTEGEMS Managing Director, Samuella Faulkner, delivered an overview of the ESIA process, describing it as an essential statutory requirement for a development of this magnitude. She explained that the assessment evaluates both the benefits and possible risks of the project, with a focus on environmental and social concerns such as noise levels, air quality, waste management and biodiversity, particularly the impact on urban birdlife.
One significant challenge identified in the assessment is land acquisition, which may necessitate relocation for residents living along the proposed route. Samuella Faulkner assured the audience that comprehensive planning and inclusive stakeholder dialogue are being prioritized to address such issues responsibly. She concluded by reaffirming the environmentally friendly design and the commitment to passenger safety and comfort as cornerstones of the project.
With Freetown facing the growing pressures of urbanization, congestion and pollution, the cable car project stands out as a bold and innovative intervention. As the FCC and its partners press forward, the city is positioning itself as a pioneer in sustainable urban mobility in West Africa, with aspirations for the project to serve as a model for similar initiatives across the region.
