By Kadijatu Bangura, D.S. Reporter
FREETOWN — The European Union and the Freetown City Council have launched a major initiative to improve governance, boost service delivery and create economic opportunities in the capital.
The project, known as SURGE, will focus on strengthening municipal management, expanding access to urban services, and supporting women and young people through targeted economic programs.
Key interventions include support for the reconstruction of King Jimmy Market and livelihood activities linked to sanitation and recycling. Officials said these efforts are aimed at both improving infrastructure and creating jobs.
The initiative will also promote participatory urban planning and greater transparency in decision-making. The goal, authorities said, is to increase citizen involvement in the design and delivery of municipal services across Freetown.
The EU said the initiative reflects its long-term partnership with local authorities in Sierra Leone to strengthen governance, create economic opportunities and improve urban living conditions, particularly for women and young people.
The EU and Freetown City Council are expected to coordinate closely on implementation to ensure the project delivers measurable improvements in municipal governance, economic participation and public service delivery.
Beyond the capital, SURGE forms part of a wider EU programme supporting seven local councils across Sierra Leone. The broader programme is focused on strengthening decentralised governance and improving service delivery nationwide.
EU and FCC officials said the partnership reflects a commitment to building more accountable, inclusive and resilient urban systems in Sierra Leone.
_For more information contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com
