By: Mohamed J. Bangura
Residents, traders and road users along Goderich Street in Freetown have appealed to the Freetown City Council (FCC) to urgently remove a large pile of accumulated rubbish that is causing traffic congestion, disrupting business activities and raising public health concerns.
The waste, which includes plastic bags, food containers, cardboard and other discarded materials, has accumulated along the roadside, occupying a significant portion of the street and making movement difficult for motorists and pedestrians.
Mohamed Kamara, a kekeh driver operating along the street, said the rubbish was making it difficult for drivers to manoeuvre, particularly during busy periods.
He explained that the waste had reduced the available road space, contributing to traffic congestion and making it difficult for commercial drivers to pick up and drop off passengers.
Kamara appealed to the FCC to clear the rubbish and ensure regular waste collection to prevent further accumulation.
Alhai Brima, a shop owner who sells vehicle spare parts along Goderich Street, also expressed concern about the impact of the waste on business activities.
He said the rubbish creates an unpleasant environment for traders and customers, potentially discouraging people from visiting shops in the affected area.
Brima called on the council to remove the waste and improve sanitation along the street to provide a cleaner environment for businesses and their customers.
Meanwhile, John Koroma, a pedestrian who regularly uses the road, said the situation was making movement uncomfortable and raising concerns about the health and safety of people who use the street daily.
He noted that accumulated waste could attract flies and other pests, while blocked drainage channels could worsen the situation during rainfall.
Koroma urged the relevant authorities to take urgent action, stressing the importance of keeping public roads clean and safe for residents, pedestrians and motorists.
The situation highlights the need for effective waste management in busy commercial areas, where poor sanitation can affect traffic flow, business operations and public health.
While residents and traders also have a responsibility to dispose of waste properly, road users say regular collection by the relevant authorities is essential to preventing rubbish from accumulating along the roadside.
They are therefore calling on the FCC to deploy a waste collection team to Goderich Street to clear the existing rubbish and introduce measures to ensure regular collection.
They have also urged the council to work with traders and residents to discourage indiscriminate dumping and promote proper sanitation practices in the area.
For affected road users, clearing the waste would improve traffic movement, create a more welcoming environment for businesses and reduce potential health and environmental risks.
They hope the council will respond promptly to their appeal and restore cleanliness to Goderich Street.