Freetown Unveils Ambitious Cable Car Plan: Mayor Aki-Sawyerr Delivers Feasibility Study
Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a significant move towards modernizing the capital’s transport infrastructure, Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has formally presented the much-anticipated Freetown Cable Car Feasibility Study to Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. This comprehensive report, which took two years to complete, details ambitious plans for the creation of a cable car mass transit network aimed at addressing the city’s chronic traffic congestion while improving mobility for underserved hillside communities.
The feasibility study, initiated in June 2022, was funded by the C40 Cities Finance Facility with contributions from the governments of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It was executed in partnership with the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), reflecting broad international support for Freetown’s urban transformation.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr took to social media to express her satisfaction with the project’s progress, noting, “I was really pleased to present the Freetown Cable Car Feasibility Study report to Vice President H.E. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh this morning. The detailed, multidimensional study, conducted over a 24-month period, was funded by C40 Cities Finance Facility in close collaboration with the Freetown City Council.”
The proposed project envisions a 3.6 km cable car network with four strategically placed stations, capable of transporting up to 6,000 passengers per hour. The initiative is especially focused on connecting disadvantaged hillside neighborhoods to Freetown’s central business district, offering a fast, safe, and affordable alternative to the often congested and unreliable public transport system currently in place.
Beyond easing traffic woes, the cable car project is expected to deliver significant environmental benefits. The system is projected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 31%, a critical step in combating air pollution and enhancing public health in Freetown. In addition, the project is set to create approximately 2,200 jobs during its construction phase, along with 70 permanent jobs once operational, providing a boost to the local economy.
The government’s support for the cable car initiative, underscored by Vice President Jalloh’s warm reception of the report, positions Freetown as a leader in West Africa’s green transport movement. Should the pilot phase prove successful, plans for future expansion are already on the horizon.
Utilizing advanced detachable gondola technology, the proposed cable car system would represent Sierra Leone’s first venture into this increasingly popular global mode of transit. Experts praise the technology for offering a unique travel experience while avoiding the pitfalls of traditional road and rail infrastructure.
This project is part of Freetown’s broader commitment to sustainable urban development and inclusive transport solutions. As the city continues to grow, the cable car system will provide a vital link for many of its residents, improving access to economic opportunities while reducing the city’s carbon footprint. It stands as a testament to Freetown’s forward-thinking approach to tackling urban challenges in a sustainable and socially equitable manner.
With the potential for future expansions, the cable car initiative is poised to transform Freetown’s urban landscape, offering a glimpse of a cleaner, more connected, and environmentally conscious future.
