By Kadijatu Bangura | Daily Scope Newspaper
FREETOWN – The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has flagged single-use plastics as a growing threat to Freetown’s environment and tourism appeal, urging a shift toward reusable alternatives instead of an outright ban.
Speaking at the weekly government press briefing during Go Circular Week 2026, Senior Tourist Officer Tamba Sheiku Bundor said plastic waste is now a major challenge in urban areas, with water sachets, bottles, shopping bags, and disposable cutlery driving pollution along the city’s beaches.
Bundor said the core issue is not plastic itself but how it is used and discarded. He blamed poor waste management and individual habits, noting that most beach litter washes down from inland communities through drainage systems rather than from tourist activity.
He contrasted urban beaches with those in rural areas, which remain cleaner, as evidence that public attitudes drive environmental damage. “Tourism development is not the Ministry’s job alone,” Bundor said. “Every citizen’s behavior shapes the country’s image and appeal to visitors.”
Instead of calling for a total ban, the Ministry is advocating practical steps: cut consumption, reuse materials, and adopt alternatives like refillable containers. Bundor said the switch can also lower long-term costs for households and businesses.
The Ministry said promoting responsible consumption is key to protecting Freetown’s coastline and strengthening its tourism potential.
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