By  Josephine Sesay

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr on Monday inspected ongoing conservation and restoration works at the East End Police Clock Tower, a landmark widely regarded as one of the city’s most important heritage sites.

The inspection, conducted alongside Deputy Mayor Kweku Lisk, focused on assessing progress on the project, which aims to preserve the tower’s historical significance while restoring its original architectural features.

The restoration is funded by the Commonwealth Heritage Foundation and implemented by West Africa Heritage Consultants. In addition to conserving the structure, the project is designed to build local capacity through hands-on skills training.

In a statement, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr said the initiative is providing “valuable skills training” for a 12-member local team of engineers, stonemasons and carpenters.

She noted that the team is working under the supervision of UK-based stonemason and conservation specialist David Lamb, who is guiding the restoration of the tower’s original laterite stonework.

The Mayor said the project aligns with broader efforts to preserve Freetown’s heritage, including ongoing restoration works at the Old Fourah Bay College building, which was also constructed using laterite stone.

She further disclosed that a key component of the project involves replacing the tower’s original clock.

“Freetown will once again hear a clock chime in the city,” she said.

The East End Police Clock Tower restoration forms part of the Freetown City Council’s wider efforts to safeguard cultural landmarks while promoting skills development and employment opportunities for local artisans.

The initiative is expected to contribute to preserving the city’s historical identity while strengthening local expertise in heritage conservation.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 6th May 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)