Heavy Fines, Jail Terms Set
By Mariama Bundu
The Freetown City Council (FCC), in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police, has announced the full enforcement of the Solid and Liquid Waste Collection Byelaws 2024 under the ongoing #DortiMusGo initiative aimed at improving sanitation across the city.
In a public notice issued on 4 June 2026, the Council stated that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between FCC and the Sierra Leone Police to ensure strict compliance with waste management regulations.
Under the new framework, all households, businesses, and institutions are required to register with FCC-approved waste collection service providers within their respective wards. Only registered providers are authorized to collect waste in the city.
The notice further states that residents must make advance payments for waste services through approved platforms, including mobile money services and the Smart City Services App. Payments to unapproved collectors are prohibited.
The Council also stressed the use of standardized bins and proper waste disposal practices, warning that dumping or burning waste in unauthorized locations such as streets, drains, and waterways is strictly forbidden.
Liquid waste, including septic tank services, must be handled only by registered service providers and transported to approved disposal sites at Kingtom and Kissy.
FCC warned that failure to comply with the byelaws will attract penalties, including fines of up to NLe 5,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. A joint enforcement team comprising FCC Metropolitan Police, the Sierra Leone Police, and the Judiciary is already implementing compliance measures across the city.
Residents have been encouraged to report illegal dumping, unapproved collectors, or missed collections through the FCC hotline 8244 or the Smart City Services App.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Freetown under the #DortiMusGo sanitation campaign.
