In a significant step toward enhancing the living standards of its residents, the Port Loko City Council officially launched the mass payment of 500 city cleaners on May 20, 2025. This initiative is part of the Green Public Works project, specifically under component three of the PSSYNE Project, which is funded by the World Bank through the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA). The ceremony, held at the Port Loko City Council, was attended by high-profile dignitaries including NaCSA’s Northwest Regional Coordinator and the Mayor of Port Loko City Council, Alie Badara Tarawallie, along with various council staff and representatives from Africell, as the payment was facilitated through Afrimoney.
The NaCSA Northwest Regional Coordinator commended the ongoing efforts of President Julius Maada Bio’s administration in the area of environmental sanitation and empowerment. He lauded the World Bank for its financial backing, which has played a crucial role in making this initiative a reality. The attention to sanitation reflects a broader governmental commitment to improving the urban environment, which not only contributes to public health but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of Port Loko. This initiative stands as an example of how targeted funding can effectively address local needs and contribute to greater community resilience.
Mayor Alie Badara Tarawallie eagerly expressed his gratitude toward the government and NaCSA for recognizing Port Loko City’s proposal, which has significantly contributed to its emergence as one of the cleanest cities in Sierra Leone In his address, he highlighted the critical role that the recruited workers play in maintaining this standard of cleanliness and stressed that the project is a testament to collective efforts aimed at improving the urban environment. The mayor noted that the first month’s payment alone had injected nearly one billion old leones into the local economy, thus bolstering youth empowerment and overall community well-being.
As the first recipient of the payment, Mr. Johna, expressed heartfelt thanks to the Port Loko City Council, NaCSA, and the World Bank for providing him and many others with a job that not only promises to improve their living conditions but also serves as a stepping to lending their contributions to the city’s development. His expression of gratitude underscores the broader impact of the Green Public Works project, which aims to combat unemployment and elevate standards of living for those in the workforce. The project embodies a philosophy that equates dignity in labor with the ability to uplift oneself and contribute positively to society.
The Green Public Works project, designed to span three years, is divided into multiple phases that include daily city cleaning, tree planting, and general beautification efforts. This phased approach ensures that the workforce is engaged in a variety of activities, promoting environmental sustainability while also fostering a sense of community ownership among residents. Furthermore, an exciting development is on the horizon, as the city council plans to incorporate an additional 600 workers into the project within the coming months. This expansion not only amplifies the project’s outcomes but also signals a commitment to creating sustainable job opportunities for the youth in the city.
The commencement of payments to the 500 city cleaners marks a pivotal moment in Port Loko’s commitment to environmental and social development. The collaboration between the local government, NaCSA, and the World Bank serves as a model for similar endeavors across the country. As the local economy thrives through these initiatives, the hope remains that such projects will continue to empower citizens, foster community engagement, and promote a more sustainable and dignified future for all. The collective efforts being made today are paving the way for a cleaner, more prosperous Port Loko City, reinforcing the notion that dignity in labor is not only achievable but essential for the well-being of any community
