On 8th October 2024, #Freetown Mayor @yakisawyerr presented the Freetown Cable Car Feasibility Study to Vice President @VP_Jalloh. This milestone moment marked a significant step towards a greener, more efficient urban transit solution for #SierraLeone’s capital, promising both local benefits and wider economic gains.
The project, funded by the #C40 Cities Finance Facility with contributions from #German, #French, #UK, and #US governments, aims to alleviate Freetown’s notorious traffic congestion while promoting sustainable energy use. The feasibility study, crafted by #GIZ and various technical experts, confirmed the viability of a 3.6-kilometre cable car line, stretching from the Central Business District (CBD) to the Kissy Ferry Terminal. The line will feature five stations, reducing journey times across the city to just 15 minutes—a transformative improvement in the daily commute of many Freetonians.
For the residents of Freetown, the cable car promises a 50% reduction in travel time, combined with enhanced safety, reliability, and affordability. Priced competitively, with a base fare of 9.2 NSLE (about USD 0.40) per station, the project is designed to be accessible. Additional discounts for schoolchildren and other groups further support the initiative’s inclusivity.
From a broader perspective, the cable car may represent an economic and environmental boon. The project will support Sierra Leone’s goals for lower emissions and cleaner air by reducing fossil fuel consumption. Additionally, the construction and operation phases are set to generate local jobs, providing an economic boost and encouraging urban regeneration around the station areas. The project has been envisioned as a “Lighthouse Project”—a model for future sustainable transportation initiatives across the region.
The Freetown Cable Car will employ a modern, monocable detachable gondola system, with 10-12 seater cabins equipped to accommodate vendors and wheelchair users, promoting inclusivity. The system will primarily rely on solar energy supplemented by battery storage, grid connectivity, and a diesel generator as a backup. With operational hours spanning 16 hours a day, it will be capable of transporting 2,000 to 3,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
The project will be implemented in phases, initially as a legal and strategic governance entity, eventually evolving into an operational Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) overseeing construction, operations, and future expansion. The SPV will integrate both public and private stakeholders, ensuring efficient project management with clear governance and risk-sharing mechanisms.
Funding for the cable car system is envisioned through a blend of concessional loans, grants from multilateral development banks, green development agencies, commercial loans, and equity investments. The projected operational expenses (OPEX) stand at USD 1.78 million for the first year, covering 25% of expected revenues, with the potential for additional income from station rentals, advertisements, and land development around station areas.
The feasibility study also highlights potential risks and strategies for mitigation. Measures include conservative ridership estimates, multi-modal transport integration to bolster usage, and a fare revision committee to align fare adjustments with operating costs. High reliance on solar power addresses currency and fuel price volatility, reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels. A long-term maintenance agreement with equipment providers mitigates technology risks, ensuring the cable car system’s reliability.
The project’s Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) addresses the direct and indirect impacts on local communities, estimating that 1,015 people and 198 businesses will be directly affected by construction and operational activities, with additional indirect impacts. The plan will adhere to international standards, offering guidelines for relocation and compensation, demonstrating a commitment to minimising the project’s social footprint.
As Mayor Aki-Sawyerr expressed during the presentation, the Freetown Cable Car is more than a transit solution—it’s a leap toward modernising the city and enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Vice President Dr. Jalloh echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the project’s potential to elevate Freetown’s status and drive economic growth. The next step involves securing the required funding and finalising approvals from the national government, with completion targeted for 2028.
The Freetown Cable Car stands as a testament to the city’s ambition to embrace sustainable urban mobility, reduce environmental impacts, and provide a model for other African cities. So Dear
@yakisawyerr, when we joked last weekend, we did not intend to dismiss the effort. We know that tor the people of Freetown, it promises a future of faster, safer, and greener journeys—turning a daily commute into an efficient and enjoyable experience.