By: Audrey Raymonda John
The Mayor of Kenema City has detailed his administration’s urban development achievements while confronting persistent public resistance. In a candid address, he highlighted visible infrastructure upgrades across the city, particularly along Hangar Road and Blama Road, where illegal structures were demolished to widen roads and advance city planning.
The Mayor emphasized Kenema’s transformed landscape – including the refurbished Town Hall – as evidence of progress, though he noted these improvements remain underappreciated. He stressed that local councils now drive national development, implementing critical projects like the World Bank-funded fisheries market and EU-supported infrastructure initiatives.
Addressing street trading, the Mayor announced strict enforcement to relocate vendors from roadsides into newly constructed market stalls. A total of 310 stores are complete, with 100-110 more planned. “The 1932 Trade Act remains enforceable,” he stated, “and street trading is unequivocally illegal.”
While revenue collection has strengthened through the digital “Mob Tax” system tracking property and business levies, the Mayor identified public opposition as the primary obstacle. “Certain groups obstruct projects for personal gain,” he noted, “ignoring Kenema’s long-term benefits.”
Regarding tensions with the Sierra Leone Police, the Mayor explained a construction project near the Kenema Police Station was halted despite council funding and contracted approvals. “Police cited spatial concerns,” he said, confirming ongoing diplomatic resolution efforts.
The administration also targets plastic pollution and flooding with new regulations on sachet water sales. Starting next year, vendors will face steep costs to sell such products – a policy designed to promote sustainable alternatives and maintain environmental standards.
Concluding, the Mayor urged against politicizing development: “Narrow interests must not hinder our mission to build a modern, orderly, and cleaner Kenema.”