By Alvin Kamara
Sierra Leone’s government has announced the formation of a multi-agency taskforce to address rising lawlessness in the capital, targeting illegal street trading, noise pollution and disorderly public transport operations.
Minister of Internal Affairs Morie Lengor said the taskforce, comprising the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Freetown City Council (FCC) and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), will focus on restoring order across the municipality.
The announcement was made during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown.
Lengor said the initiative aims to improve urban management and support economic activity in the capital.
“Restoring law and order is essential to making Freetown an attractive destination for tourism and investment,” he said, adding that residents must comply with waste management regulations and use approved service providers.
Freetown, like many rapidly growing West African cities, has faced increasing challenges linked to urban congestion, informal trading and transport indiscipline, particularly involving commercial motorbikes, known locally as okadas, and tricycles, or kekes.
Authorities have in recent years introduced a series of measures to regulate street trading and public transport, but enforcement has remained inconsistent, with traders often returning to restricted areas and complaints about noise pollution persisting.
The growth of informal economic activities has also been driven by high unemployment and limited formal sector opportunities, making enforcement efforts politically and socially sensitive.
Officials say the new taskforce is intended to strengthen coordination among agencies and improve compliance, as the government seeks to balance economic livelihoods with urban order and public safety.
Authorities added that operations will begin immediately as part of broader efforts to enhance sanitation, reduce congestion and improve the overall image of the capital.
