By Allieu Jalloh

In Sierra Leone, it is observed that a troubling trend has become all too common: littering. It’s alarming to see people from all walks of life throwing trash on the streets, even from moving vehicles and motorcycles. Why not hold on to it until you find a proper bin? It’s far better to keep it in your vehicle and dispose of it later than to litter our streets.

City council staff can’t do it all. This is a collective responsibility. Some people even bring waste from their homes and dump it in drainages or on streets, often under the cover of darkness. This isn’t just a Freetown problem. It’s a nationwide issue affecting both rural and urban communities.

The situation is dire. The impact is severe: littering leads to flooding, water contamination, and the spread of diseases like cholera, diarrhea, and malaria. The pollution and discomfort caused by waste pose serious risks to our health and well-being. You can’t walk through our communities without stepping over piles of dirt and garbage. That same waste blocks drains, worsens flooding in our towns and cities, and contributes greatly to illness across the country.

Making matters worse, in many densely populated township areas, people have no choice but to burn these piles of waste. The smoke from burning plastic, rubber, and other garbage fills homes and streets, forcing families, especially children, the elderly, and asthmatic patients, to inhale toxic fumes daily. This practice damages our lungs and hearts, increases respiratory infections and cancer risks, and releases harmful chemicals into the air, soil, and water. It also destroys environmental safeguards, degrades air quality, and undermines community health and safety. What starts as a quick way to “clear” dirt ends up poisoning the very people and environment we live in.

It’s time to take ownership of our actions. We can start by disposing of waste properly, supporting community clean-ups, and advocating for effective waste management. Imagine the impact we could have if we all played our part: cleaner streets, reduced flooding, and healthier communities. It’s within our reach. Right now, our city’s waste management system is struggling to cope, with massive amounts of trash piling up daily.

We all have a role to play in keeping our communities clean. As citizens, it’s our social responsibility to protect our communities. That means respecting public spaces, following rules and regulations, and promoting a culture of cleanliness. When we litter, we’re not just dirtying the streets – we’re harming the health and livelihoods of those around us. But when we take pride in our communities, we create a ripple effect that inspires others to do the same.

Let’s make a conscious effort to change our behavior and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful Sierra Leone. Let’s join forces to keep Sierra Leone clean and beautiful!

_”Cleanliness is not just about appearance. It is a simple habit that creates a healthy life and a peaceful environment.”_

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 29th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)