FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices, the United Kingdom, in partnership with Sierra Leone, has launched a project to convert waste from a UK-funded sewage plant into eco-friendly cooking briquettes. The project was officially inaugurated yesterday in the presence of Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE and key government ministers.
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is spearheading this transformative project, which focuses on utilizing waste materials to create cooking briquettes as an alternative to traditional charcoal. The innovative solution not only addresses waste management issues but also contributes to the reduction of deforestation and promotes cleaner cooking practices.
The launch event saw the collaboration of Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, renowned for her commitment to sustainable urban development, and government ministers who expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential impact on both public health and the environment.
The cooking briquettes, produced from processed sewage waste, serve as an eco-friendly alternative to charcoal, a commonly used fuel for cooking in Sierra Leone. Charcoal production is a major driver of deforestation and contributes to air pollution, impacting both the environment and public health. The new initiative aims to curb these negative effects by providing a sustainable and cleaner energy source for households.
Speaking at the launch, representatives from the UK in Sierra Leone expressed their excitement about the collaboration and the potential positive outcomes for the local community. They emphasized the importance of innovative solutions in addressing environmental challenges and fostering partnerships that can drive
meaningful change.
The @UNCDF project marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to address environmental sustainability and public health in Sierra Leone. As the collaboration between the UK and Sierra Leone continues to evolve, the hope is that this innovative project will serve as a model for future initiatives that prioritize the well-being of communities and the planet.
