NaCSA Launches GPWs In Port Loko

By Sahr Ibrahim Komba
The National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) has on Friday 12th April, 2025 launched the Green Public Works in Port Loko. The GPW is a component under the Labour-Intensive Public Works. The project targeted 500 beneficiaries which is a good start for job creation in the country.
It could be recalled that with support from World Bank, NaCSA commenced the implementation of the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Empowerment (PSSNYE) project .The component of two of the PSSNYE focuses on the Productive Labour-Intensive Public Works (LIPWs) and life skills support for youth which consists of other sub-components including the Green Public Works.
In his statement, the Commissioner of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) Ambassador Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina said that the Commission started with the Freetown City Council and later decided to extend it to six cities-Bo, Bonthe, Port Loko, Makeni, Kenema and Koidu New Senbehun City Council.
He noted that the reason for the extension of the project to the provincial cities is to ensure that cities in the rural areas are clean and attractive.
He disclosed that the project will promote job creation in the country adding that this will complement President Bio’s job creation drive in Sierra Leone.
We are targeting 500 youth for the said project he said.
He expressed thanks and appreciation to the World Bank and other partners for sponsoring the project, highlighting that it will help to empower women in rural communities in Sierra Leone.
He concluded that the vehicles and tricycle for dirt collection will be available at every district as soon as possible.
Speaking to the press, His Worship Alie Badara Tarawallie the Mayor of Port Loko City Council said that the Green Public Works is significant for the people of Port Loko as it focuses on youth employment and women empowerment.
He continued that the project will help to boost the economy and also beautify cities across the country.
He disclosed that his council has embarked on community sensitization and that there are local byelaws in place to ensure sustainability of the project and to keep Port Loko City clean.
“My council will ensure that we have a very clean city and if anyone violate the byelaws, our local authorities will take the appropriate action according to the byelaws,” he assured.
He urged his people to keep the city clean and embrace the project, noting that cleanness is next to Godliness.
In her statement, the Chief Administration of Port Loko City Council Madam Julia T. Koroma said the mandate of the council is to deliver quality service to the –people of Port Loko of which waste management is paramount.
She continued that the council had been under resourced but through NaCSA, the council has been able to employ 500 youth under the Green Public Works to keep the city clean.
There are over 60% women in the GPWs project which shows that the project is centered on women empowerment she noted.
She expressed gratitude to the World Bank and other development partners for supporting the project and revealed that the council does not have dirt collection vehicle to collect dirt to dumping site.
Haja Fatu Bundu one of the beneficiaries of the project expressed appreciation to NaCSA for considering Port Loko adding that this project has helped women to put food on the table for their family.
She revealed that this project has helped to properly take care of her three children and admonished her colleagues to work diligently in keeping Port Loko City clean and beautiful.