By: Aminata Sesay
Freetown’s newest waste management partnership is opening the door to hundreds of jobs as the Freetown City Council (FCC) formally hands over the Kingtom dumpsite to Sierra Forever Green Ltd. The private operator is expected to employ approximately 500 young people as it expands recycling activities and modernizes operations at the historic site.
For many youths in nearby communities, the transition represents more than a shift in waste management it marks a pathway to stable employment and hands-on skills within the rapidly expanding green economy. Sierra Forever Green Ltd. plans to scale up its recycling capacity to process 30 tons of plastic daily, an expansion that will require new staff in collection, sorting, processing, safety supervision, and logistics.
During the brief handover ceremony, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, OBE, highlighted that the partnership is not only about environmental reform but also about improving livelihoods. “This milestone strengthens our waste management efforts while expanding job opportunities for young people across Freetown,” she said.
FCC officials are encouraging residents to register with accredited waste service providers to support the wider waste management system and ensure efficient collection across the city.
With urbanisation accelerating and waste volumes increasing, the Kingtom handover represents a strategic shift toward a more inclusive waste economy one that integrates environmental responsibility with meaningful youth empowerment.