Communications Unit*

*Makeni City Council*

*2/9/2025*

Makeni City Council has officially launched the second phase of the Green Public Works initiative, a project that focuses on garbage collection, drainage clearance, and tree planting.

In his opening remarks, the Chief Administrator of Makeni City Council, *Mr. Daniel Boima Kpukumu,* reflected on the successes and challenges of the first phase of the project, which played a vital role in municipal waste management. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone, the World Bank, and the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) for their collaborative role in implementing the first phase under the Productive Social Safety Nets and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) Project. Mr. Kpukumu also urged the newly recruited beneficiaries to serve diligently and work towards a cleaner and greener Makeni.

Representing NaCSA, *Madam Fatmata Fataba Babawo,* Regional Coordinator, conveyed her delight at the commencement of the second phase. Speaking on behalf of the District Coordinator, she commended the government and President Julius Maada Bio for creating job opportunities for young people. She encouraged beneficiaries to value the opportunity, noting that many others are awaiting similar chances. Madam Babawo also explained the payment process, which is facilitated through SIM cards, and emphasized the importance of acquiring a national identity card through the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), as it remains a requirement for beneficiary enrollment. She further highlighted that special training had been given to tree-planting teams on data collection, which will guide the planting of specific trees in homes and public spaces.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) was represented by *Mr. Jimmy Hallowell,* who underscored the Commission’s mandate and called for a corruption-free implementation of the project.

In his keynote statement, *His Worship the Mayor of Makeni City, Abubakarr Kamara (popularly known as Lamtales),* expressed appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone, the World Bank, and NaCSA for their continuous support in creating youth employment. He noted that the initiative has fostered peace and unity among young people in Makeni and pledged his office’s commitment to attracting more development projects for the city. The Mayor urged beneficiaries to demonstrate dedication, stressing that absenteeism will lead to replacement. He also appealed to residents to properly manage their household waste to prevent disease outbreaks and maintain a cleaner city.

The launch concluded with the symbolic distribution of working tools to beneficiaries by the Chief Administrator and his team.

*@Potential Kpus, Information, Education and Communications Officer Makeni City Council*