By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S.
The Freetown City Council (FCC) recently convened a public consultation and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) session for its highly anticipated Freetown Cable Car Project. Held at the Freetown City Hall Auditorium, the event attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including residents, civil society representatives, government officials, and environmental experts.
This session marked a crucial stage in the project’s planning, offering the public a chance to engage directly with the technical team, voice concerns, and learn about the project’s scope, benefits, and potential challenges. The ESIA, conducted by Integrated Geo-information and Environmental Management Services (INTEGEMS) Limited, was central to the discussions.
The Freetown Cable Car Project aims to enhance urban mobility, particularly for communities on hillsides and in hard-to-reach areas. The proposed 3.6-kilometer pilot line will connect Government Wharf in the central business district to the Kissy Ferry Terminal in the east, featuring five strategic stops: Government Wharf, East-End Police, Mountain Cut, Up Gun, and Ferry Junction. This new transit system is expected to reduce travel times from over an hour in traffic to a swift 15-minute journey, with a flat fare of NLe16.
FCC Deputy Mayor Kweku Lisk emphasized the project’s broader social impact, stating, “This isn’t just a transportation project — it’s a social equalizer,” highlighting its potential to improve access to essential services like schools, hospitals, and markets for underserved populations.
Sustainability is also a key component of the cable car initiative, with plans for the system to be primarily powered by solar energy, supplemented by generators and electricity from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). Modupeh Williams, FCC’s Integrated Municipal Expert, noted the project’s potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions. The total estimated cost is $92.3 million, with funding secured from the governments of Britain, France, and Germany, as well as partners C40 Cities and GIZ.
Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr expressed her enthusiasm, calling the project a “historic moment” for the city. “This is a dream that’s becoming a reality — one that will ease the burden of movement for our people,” she said.
Solomon Johnson, Deputy Director of Policy at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), underscored the importance of the ESIA process in ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. “Our job is to protect the people, and we take that very seriously,” he stated.
Samuella Faulkner, Managing Director of INTEGEMS, presented the environmental and social findings of the assessment, addressing potential challenges such as land acquisition and relocation. She assured attendees that these concerns are being managed through ongoing dialogue with affected communities.
As Freetown grapples with increasing traffic congestion and urbanization, the cable car project is viewed as a significant and sustainable response. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the initiative could serve as a model for other cities in West Africa seeking innovative transport solutions.
The public consultation concluded with community members sharing their perspectives. After extensive discussions, participants voiced their support for the initiative and approved the environmental and social assessment report, marking a positive step forward for the Freetown Cable Car Project.
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