
01/08/2025
TOURISM MINISTRY, NTB ACT ON LUMLEY BEACH WASTE
By Shannon A.L. Scott
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the National Tourist Board (NTB) and other key stakeholders, including the Freetown City Council (FCC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Sierra Leone Police, hosted a roundtable meeting on Monday, 28th July 2025, at the Family Kingdom to address the worsening waste management crisis along Lumley Beach and the Freetown coastline.
The General Manager of the National Tourist Board, Madam Fatmata Mida Carew, noted that as the government body responsible for overseeing tourism and related issues, the NTB has faced significant challenges, including improper waste disposal by nearby communities, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and illegal dumping.
She stressed that despite daily cleanup efforts, the littered state of Lumley Beach remains appalling and continues to deteriorate.
Madam Carew revealed that the NTB currently removes up to 75 truckloads of waste every week at a cost of Le600 per truck, an expense she described as economically unsustainable. She concluded with a blunt warning that complacency will no longer be tolerated.
EPA Environmental Health and Safety Officer, Mr. Osman Koroma, emphasized that enforcement, ownership, and accountability are key to tackling the crisis. He urged participants to identify who is truly responsible for the condition of the beach, pointing to overlapping institutional mandates and community negligence.
The FCC’s Environmental and Sanitation Chief, Marian J. Tucker, highlighted that a new waste disposal system already divides Freetown into eight zones, each assigned to specific service providers. She stressed that sanitation cannot be achieved by one actor alone and proposed mandatory household payments for refuse collection.
She added that by-laws must be enforced to penalize defaulters and curb lawlessness.
Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs representative, Tamba Sheku Bundu called for radical, structural reforms in current beach management policies. He criticized the repetitive nature of cleanup exercises and urged for stronger regulations on beach vending and usage to safeguard Lumley Beach as a premier tourism site.NAberdeen Police Station Chief Superintendent Zainab Gbla assured the public that sustained enforcement would help curb crime, reduce noise pollution, and ensure bars and clubs comply with licensing laws.
She reiterated that public safety is a shared responsibility and must be taken seriously by all.
The National Tourist Board reaffirmed its commitment to restoring Lumley Beach to its former glory, emphasizing that sustainable waste management is essential for protecting the environment, ensuring visitor safety, and safeguarding local livelihoods. The Board pledged to continue working tirelessly and seeking partnerships to tackle these pressing challenges.