By Janet Mumgbay Zizer
Freetown, 23rd March 2026- Mount Aurole’s Morgan Step Hill bypass road has taken on a new identity, thanks to a row of houses painted in vibrant rainbow colours. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with four homeowners, has quickly become a cultural landmark that locals proudly call “California City.”
Residents explained that the project was carefully planned, with stakeholders and the wider community consulted before the colours were chosen. Inspired by Kingston, Jamaica’s colourful urban trends, the palette was selected based on cultural research to promote tourism and local pride. While outsiders have nicknamed the area “Rainbow City,” locals insist that “California City” better reflects their blend of influences and aspirations, as people from different walks of life live together in the community.
The bold colors have attracted content creators, investors, and media interviews, turning the community into a point of fascination from afar. Young resident Pacious emphasized that misconceptions have also arisen. Some outsiders have misunderstood the rainbow design as a symbol of sexuality. Pacious clarified that the community’s foundation lies in Islam and Christianity, and the colours are meant to celebrate culture, visibility, and pride.
“These colours have brought attention to our community,” Pacious said. “They promote our culture, attract visitors, and make us stand out. We appreciate the research that went into this, it’s something we value a lot.”
Marie Issa Kamara, one of the homeowners, highlighted the economic impact. She explained that the exposure has increased income for petty traders in the area, as more visitors stop by. “We thank the Ministry of Tourism for this initiative,” she said.
Fatmata, a petty trader, also shared her experience. She noted that business has grown, especially before Ramadan, as visitors come to shoot content, take pictures, and conduct interviews, all of which help patronize her small business.
For Mount Aurole, the rainbow houses are more than just paint. They are a statement of identity, a magnet for tourism, and a catalyst for economic growth proof that even small communities can shine brightly on the cultural map.
