By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr officially commissioned the Wilberforce village market complex, fulfilling a long-standing commitment to the residents of Wilberforce, the state-of-the-art facility marks a transformative milestone in local commerce and urban development, providing a modern hub for trade and community engagement.
The newly completed market complex features a traditional wet goods section, 11 dry goods shops, an entertainment space with a built-in stage, and storage facilities located in the basement and rear of the building, designed to enhance the economic vitality of Wilberforce, the complex is poised to serve as a cornerstone for local businesses and community activities.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr reflected on the project’s significance and its roots in community advocacy. I am thrilled to officially commission the Wilberforce village market complex, delivering on my promise to the residents, she said, in 2018, during a meeting with market women and community stakeholders, the people of Wilberforce urged the completion of their market structure, which then consisted only of a ground floor and pillars.
The project, initially launched under former Mayor Franklyn Bode Gibson following a community needs assessment, was completed under Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s tenure, this achievement underscores the importance of continuity in governance for sustainable development, she noted, highlighting the collaborative effort to bring the vision to fruition.
The Wilberforce village market complex was delivered at a total cost of NLe 5.5 million (equivalent to 5.5 billion old Leones), primarily funded through the Freetown City Council’s internally generated revenue from property rates and business licenses. Bloomberg Philanthropies contributed USD 200,000 to support the development, reinforcing the project’s international backing.
To ensure the facility’s sustainable operation and maintenance, the Freetown City Council plans to engage a professional management company to oversee the complex’s daily operations, safeguarding its long-term impact.
The commissioning event drew a distinguished audience, including the deputy minister of local Government and community Affairs, Hon. Alfred Jamiru, and representatives from various markets across Freetown. In her address, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr outlined ambitious plans for citywide market improvements, the Freetown City Council has conducted engineering assessments for 44 markets in the city, she announced, we are moving forward with major repairs at Kroo Town Road, Portee, Bombay Street, and Lumley markets, and we plan to construct a new market in Allen Town before the end of 2025.
The Mayor emphasized that these initiatives depend on public cooperation, these market improvements are only possible if Freetonians pay their property rates and business licenses, she urged, calling for civic responsibility to sustain urban development.
Concluding on an optimistic note, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr described the commissioning as a testament to transformative governance. Today is a memorable day and a powerful reminder that hope can be converted into reality, she said.
The Wilberforce village market complex stands as a symbol of progress, community resilience, and the Freetown City Council’s commitment to fostering economic growth and sustainable development across the capital
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 5th, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
