On 28 and 29 July 2022, the FCC held a 2-day training on Dumpsites Management, Transfer Stations, and Faecal Sludge Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) with support from GOAL Sierra Leone and from Bournemouth University Disaster Management Centre (BUDMC) and notably Prof Lee Miles. The training’s goal was to enhance the resilience of sanitation workers in our city, particularly in handling emergencies and disasters affecting the two legal dumpsites in Freetown.
The new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were officially launched on 28 July, with police, firefighters, non-governmental organizations, and key municipal staff employed at the dumpsites and waste transfer stations from across the city. The SOPs are part of FCC’s plans to significantly improve the management and safety of waste collection and disposal across our city. They draw on recommendations from the Driving African Capacity Building in Disaster Management (AFRICAB) project led by Professor Miles.
On 29 July, practical aspects of the training were undertaken at FCC’s new Facael Sludge Treatment plant at Kingtom. Mr Abdulai Gassama Bockarie, head of the fire prevention unit at the National Fire Force, demonstrated how to use fire extinguishers and conducted practical training with the participants. Additionally, Personal Protective Equipment (raincoats, gloves, rain boots, and glasses) was distributed to the participants to increase safety for the workers at the dumpsites and transfer stations.
This training is another step forward in improving resilience to emergencies in the face of climate change in our city.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr and Team thank GOAL Sierra Leone for funding the training and Professor Lee Miles from BUDMC for his tremendous contributions to the development of the new SOPs.
