By Sahrfoa Matturie
The Mayor of Makeni, Abubakarr Lambtales Kamara, has addressed mounting sanitation concerns in the municipality, attributing the recent accumulation of garbage to logistical setbacks and the city’s rapid commercial expansion.
Speaking at a press conference, Mayor Kamara engaged members of the media on the growing waste management challenges confronting the Makeni City Council. He explained that the build-up of refuse in several parts of the city stemmed largely from the deteriorating condition of the Council’s waste collection vehicles, many of which had broken down and were no longer capable of handling the increasing volume of daily waste.
According to the Mayor, Makeni’s steady growth in trade and business activities has significantly increased waste generation. However, the city’s sanitation infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with this expansion, creating gaps in refuse collection and environmental management.
Mayor Kamara disclosed that the Council had made multiple efforts to acquire a front-end wheel loader to strengthen its waste disposal operations but initially faced difficulties in securing the heavy-duty equipment required to manage the situation effectively.
He expressed appreciation to Alimamy Yilal Koroma and a concerned resident, Alais Blackpool, for their support in facilitating access to a front wheel loader. With the equipment now available, the Council has successfully cleared the accumulated garbage from several affected areas within the municipality.
The Mayor used the opportunity to appeal to residents to cooperate with the Council by disposing of waste at designated dumping sites rather than in drainage systems or along the streets. He emphasized that proper sanitation practices are critical to preventing disease outbreaks and sustaining a healthy urban environment.
Concluding his remarks, Mayor Kamara stressed that sanitation is a shared responsibility. He noted that while the Council remains committed to improving waste management systems, sustained cleanliness in Makeni will require active public participation, particularly as the city continues to evolve into a major commercial hub in the Northern Region.
