By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, April 15, 2025 — The Freetown City Council (FCC) has held a public consultation and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (EISA) session on the proposed Freetown Cable Car Project, an initiative aimed at transforming urban mobility and promoting sustainable development.
The session, hosted at the Freetown City Hall Auditorium on Wallace Johnson Street, brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives, local community leaders, and officials from the Environmental Protection Agency – Sierra Leone (EPA-SL). The public engagement provided an opportunity for citizens to voice their concerns and learn more about the project’s expected impact.
The feasibility study, conducted by Integrated Geo-information and Environmental Management Services (INTEGEMS) Limited, laid the groundwork for discussions. The pilot project will feature a 3.6-kilometre cable car line connecting Government Wharf in the Central Business District to the Kissy Ferry Terminal in the east, with five stations along the route. The journey is projected to take just 15 minutes end-to-end.
FCC officials have emphasized the project’s potential to improve access for hillside and underserved communities, enabling residents to commute more efficiently to workplaces, schools, and healthcare centers. The cable car system, which will be powered by solar energy, is also expected to reduce Freetown’s carbon footprint.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Mayor Kweku Lisk underscored the importance of transparency and public engagement in infrastructure development. “We are not only building transport systems; we are fostering trust and inclusivity,” he stated, adding that the project has secured financial backing from C40 Cities, a global climate leadership organization.
Managing Director of INTEGEMS Limited, Samuella Faulkner, presented findings from the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, highlighting key concerns such as potential land acquisition issues and the need for careful urban planning. Despite these challenges, she reassured attendees that measures are in place to address community concerns.
As Freetown continues to grapple with traffic congestion and pollution, the FCC and its partners believe the cable car project could set a precedent for sustainable urban transport across West Africa.