By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has issued a stark warning regarding the alarming decline of the city’s protected wetlands and forested areas, referencing recent satellite imagery that underscores the issue.
Data from Google Earth reveals a significant reduction in the size of Aberdeen Creek, which decreased from 537 acres in January 2017 to just 458 acres by February 2025. The Mayor cautioned that ongoing construction activities threaten to exacerbate this loss, further endangering these vital ecosystems.
In her public statement, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized the critical need to protect Freetown’s mangroves and forests. “Construction in our protected wetlands and the Western Area National Park must cease immediately. These natural resources are essential for maintaining biodiversity, protecting fish spawning habitats, and safeguarding our water catchment areas,” she asserted.
The Mayor highlighted that these ecosystems are not mere luxuries but crucial assets for the city’s future, playing a significant role in ecological balance, climate resilience, and supporting the livelihoods of communities reliant on fisheries and clean water.
This warning comes amid growing concerns that urban development is encroaching upon fragile ecosystems, posing long-term risks to Freetown’s environmental sustainability.
For further inquiries, please contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
