By: Elizabeth A. Kaine, Managing Editor
Congo Town, Freetown – December 1st, 2024. Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr held a crucial community engagement meeting today with residents of Congo Town to address ongoing concerns surrounding the Ephraim Robinson Municipal Primary School playground. The discussions focused on clarifying the playground’s management and usage amid recent developments that have raised significant safety and accessibility issues for the local schoolchildren.
During the meeting, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr, accompanied by Deputy Mayor Kweku Lisk and key officials from the Freetown City Council (FCC), emphasized that the playground is owned and operated by the FCC. A significant point of discussion was a proposal from Hon. Alfred Thompson to install astro turf and manage the playground commercially. While the FCC expressed openness to the donation of astro turf, the proposal for commercialization was firmly rejected, with the mayor reiterating that the playground must primarily serve the school’s children and ensure their safety.
Community members voiced strong concerns regarding Hon. Thompson’s recent construction of concrete walls and wire mesh fencing around the playground, which has obstructed access for the children. Parents and residents highlighted the alarming safety risks posed by these barriers, particularly in emergencies where quick access to the playground is crucial. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr reassured attendees that the council would take immediate action to remove the barriers while maintaining appropriate security measures along the street-facing walls.
The discussion also addressed rumors regarding the potential sale of the playground to a church, which the mayor categorically denied. She emphasized the FCC’s commitment to keeping the playground as a safe and accessible space for children. The nearly two-hour meeting allowed residents to express their concerns and seek clarity, reinforcing the importance of transparency and collaboration between the FCC and the Congo Town community.
As the meeting concluded, both Mayor Aki-Sawyerr and community members expressed a shared commitment to ensuring the playground remains a vital resource for local children. The mayor pledged to work closely with residents to resolve any outstanding issues and to prioritize the safety and welfare of the children who rely on the playground for recreation and community engagement.
