By Dr Douglas Beoku-Betts
FREETOWN, OCT. 7th (SALONE TIMES) –
Freetown is growing, but journeys across the capital remain slow and fragmented. A developing city needs a transport system that helps people reach work, schools, markets and hospitals reliably and efficiently.
Waka Fine buses can serve the main routes, while motorcycles and tricycles can serve smaller roads and connect neighbourhoods to bus stops. Their drivers should have a recognised and valued place within the transport network, supported by clear pick-up points and safe, convenient transfers between modes.
The map below focuses on Freetown’s waterfront. Scheduled hybrid waterbuses could connect Aberdeen, central Freetown and suitable landing points to the east, providing an additional way to travel around road congestion. Waterloo is inland and would therefore require a reliable road connection to a suitable waterside stop. Timetables and fares should be designed to make it simple and affordable to transfer between boats, buses and smaller vehicles as part of a single journey.
Freetown waterfront from Aberdeen to Hastings, with Waterloo inland. Base map: Map Illustrators; crop supplied by the author.
The vessels should create jobs as well as provide journeys. With an experienced builder and a capable Sierra Leonean shipyard, local assembly—and eventually construction—could provide training and employment for welders, electricians, marine engineers and other technicians. Local teams could maintain the hulls, hybrid propulsion systems and electrical equipment throughout the fleet’s operating life.
Damen offers local-build programmes that include training and technical support. Hybrid propulsion could reduce fuel consumption and emissions on suitable routes while providing a practical transition as Sierra Leone develops the infrastructure and skills needed for a modern water-transport network.
Waterbus stops could also become attractive public spaces, with sheltered waiting areas, safe jetties, toilets, food and craft stalls, and waterfront walking areas. Pleasure trips and small businesses around the stops could generate income beyond ticket sales.
Government and private-sector partners could jointly finance, build, operate and maintain the boats, terminals and connecting services. Public contracts should protect safety standards, support affordable fares and create opportunities for capable local firms to participate in the supply chain.
Agadir’s cable car in Morocco demonstrates how transport infrastructure can also support tourism and access to heritage destinations. A cable car in Freetown could have a role where it meets genuine transport needs. The proposed Lungi bridge is a separate national infrastructure decision that should be considered alongside the continued development of ferries and airport boat services.
The next step should be a proper feasibility study covering potential routes, passenger demand, capital and operating costs, safety, tides, weather conditions and the connections between different modes of transport. That study should provide the evidence needed to plan and deliver an integrated transport system suited to the needs of a growing and developing capital city.
Visual References
Examples from Europe and Africa to inform a potential Freetown design. The photographs do not depict proposed Freetown facilities.
Damen Waterbus 2907 Hybrid — an illustrative vessel.
Image: Damen Shipyards Group.
Agadir cable car above the coast.
Image: Danialand.
Agadir cable car above greenery.
Image: Danialand.
Five Cowries ferry terminal, Lagos.
Image: Lonely Planet / Shutterstock.
Waterfront dining on Gorée Island, Senegal.
Image: Brian McMorrow.
