By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown Waste Transformers (FWT), an Organic Waste-to-Energy Solutions Provider in Sierra Leone, on Friday, December 13, 2024, launched the first innovative USSD feature ‘DortiBox’ App short code *380# in a drive to transform Freetown.
The innovative USSD feature on the Orange mobile network, is designed to promote the digitalization of waste management services. This solution will simplify access to waste management services for users, especially those with limited access to smartphones while supporting the Freetown City Council’s (FCC) digital transformation initiatives.
The official launch and engagement with the community stakeholders which took place at the Hillside Bypass Road, Model in Freetown marked a significant milestone for FWT, as they started implementing waste management services in Block 6, following their recent contract award.
FWT transforms all kinds of food waste into electricity, heat, and fertilizer right at their location and cuts costs on energy and waste management bills.
The ‘DortiBox mobile app’ was developed to coordinate waste management activities across the sector, which feeds into FWT’s waste-to-energy project.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, FWT, Madam Aminata Dumbuya stated that the launch is a significant step towards improving waste management in Freetown.
She pointed out that she had rolled out the upgraded ‘DortiBox’ app, transitioning from version 1.0 to 2.0, stressing the significance of the innovative which is designed to streamline waste collection services, includes a USSD code—`*380#`—that enables residents without access to smartphones to register for waste collection services easily.
“Cleanliness is next to godliness resonates deeply within the community as the initiative seeks to empower residents to take responsibility for their environment. With a concession period of five years, the goal is to ensure waste collection from every household and business in Block 6, even if full capacity isn’t reached in the first year,” she stated.
Dumbuya pointed out that the project will work alongside established waste enterprises in the area to harmonize operations and improve service delivery.
She added that by building strong relationships with local providers, the initiative aims to enhance waste collection efficiency and community engagement.
Having been involved in the waste management sector since 2010, the founder of Freetown Waste Transformers is committed to leveraging technology and innovative waste-to-energy solutions. These efforts aim to create a comprehensive ecosystem for waste management, integrating digital applications and small-scale energy technologies.
A critical component of this initiative is the empowerment of the youth of Freetown by involving them in waste collection efforts.