Port Loko Mayor Expands Green Project

By Amb. Sallieu Sankoh (Center)

In a significant move towards environmental sustainability and youth empowerment, the Port Loko City Council has launched the second phase of its “Green Public Works” project, with an increased focus on employment and urban cleanliness.

Addressing a new batch of 600 selected beneficiaries, His Worship Alie Badara Tarawallie, Mayor of Port Loko City, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the municipality into a cleaner, eco-friendly city. He stated that the initiative, which is being rolled out in three phases, aims to engage a total of 1,500 young people across the city.

Mayor Tarawallie emphasized the Council’s policy of non-repetition in beneficiary selection, ensuring that individuals who participated in the first phase are ineligible for subsequent rounds. This approach, he noted, is designed to maximize opportunity and ensure broader inclusion of the city’s youths.

The Council’s Chief Administrator, Madam Julia T. Amara Koroma, welcomed the assembled applicants and officially announced the names of those selected for the second phase. She revealed that the number of beneficiaries had been increased from 500 to 600 to accommodate the addition of a tree-planting component, further reinforcing the Council’s green agenda.

“This project is not just about keeping the city clean,” Madam Koroma explained. “It’s about creating sustainable jobs, promoting environmental awareness, and instilling a sense of civic responsibility among our youths.”

The Green Public Works initiative forms part of the council’s broader strategy to tackle waste accumulation, beautify the urban landscape, and curb youth unemployment. The expansion of the program demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to municipal development, balancing social welfare with environmental stewardship.

By integrating tree planting into the project’s framework, the council is taking a proactive step towards climate resilience and long-term urban greening, making Port Loko a model for eco-conscious development in Sierra Leone.