By: Amb. Unisa Totti FofanahIn a strategic partnership fueled by the World Bank support, the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) is significantly enhancing the Port Loko City Council’s capacity to deliver on environmental sanitation and protection through the implementation of the Green Public Works program. This collaboration falls under Component Three of the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) Project, an initiative aimed at promoting social inclusion, job creation, and community-led development With environmental sustainability as a core focus, the partnership is already transforming public spaces in Port Loko and improving the quality of life for residents.
The second phase of the project is currently in motion, involving daily cleaning exercises within the municipality. These ongoing efforts have not only contributed to a visibly cleaner city but have also instilled a renewed sense of civic pride among residents. Workers deployed under this phase are actively engaged in sweeping streets, clearing drainage systems, and managing waste an essential tasks that serve to minimize health risks and elevate the overall standard of urban living. This phase is a testament to the importance of routine maintenance in urban environmental management.
On Friday, August 29, 2025, the second phase of the project was officially launched at the Port Loko District Council Conference Hall. This new phase pivots to a more strategic and long-term vision, emphasizing environmental protection through city beautification and tree planting. These activities are part of a broader campaign to build climate resilience, restore green spaces, and foster environmental consciousness among city dwellers. The initiative aligns with global and national priorities for sustainable urban development and environmental stewardship.
Spanning a three-year implementation period, the PSSNYE project in Port Loko also provides short-term employment to thousands of local residents. So far, approximately 1,200 individuals have benefited from job opportunities in sanitation and environmental services, with the target of reaching 4,000 participants before project completion. This job creation element is especially impactful in a region where youth unemployment remains a critical challenge. The project, therefore, not only enhances environmental sanitation and protection but also serves as a vital socio-economic intervention.
Both NaCSA and the Port Loko City Council have received widespread praise from residents for their collaborative leadership and commitment to community improvement. The success of the project so far has been met with gratitude from local stakeholders, who see it as a blueprint for inclusive development. In turn, both institutions have expressed their appreciation to the World Bank for the financial support and technical assistance provided. As the project progresses, Port Loko is fast becoming a model for environmentally focused urban renewal and people-centered development.
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