By Mohamed Kamara
Ongoing observations in and around the capital city of Freetown have revealed a concerning lack of action following the destruction of the century-old Cotton Tree by heavy winds before the June 24, 2023 elections. The Freetown City Council is now at the center of criticism for its failure to repair the surrounding damaged wall.
Many pedestrians who frequent the area have expressed disappointment over the Council’s neglect to address the damaged walls. Some argue that the Cotton Tree is a historical landmark that necessitates regular attention from municipal authorities. They lament that the neglect is not only disappointing to the nation but also to tourists who travel from afar, eager to capture snapshots of the iconic tree.
Cotton Tree
In another development, pedestrians, vehicle owners, and motor drivers have voiced their condemnation of pothole repairs conducted by the Sierra Leone Road Authority (SLRA) across the city. Examples include Circular Road, Fire Force Junction, and Model Junction, where recent repairs have deteriorated within a mere 120 days. Many individuals interviewed attribute this to poor engineering advice and the use of substandard materials.
