By Samuel Hinga Norman
Freetown, September 8th 2025-Freetown’s once-vibrant coastline is now choking under the weight of seaweed, stranded vessels and mounting debris, turning Aberdeen and Lumley beaches from tourist magnets into sanitation minefields. What was once a source of pride and income for local vendors, hoteliers, and tour operators is now a symbol of institutional neglect and environmental decay.
Tourism in Decline- The thick layers of seaweed carpeting the beaches are more than just unsightly; they’re repelling tourists. Visitors complain of foul odors, obstructed walkways, and rusting boats left to rot on the sand. “The beach looks neglected. The boats are just left there, and it discourages tourists,” said Mariama Kamara, a vendor at Lumley Beach. For many small businesses, the drop in foot traffic has meant fewer customers, cancelled bookings, and shrinking income.
An unidentified rusty abandoned fishing boat at Lumley Beach.
The National Tourist Board admits the challenge is overwhelming. According to Communications Officer Kai Bockarie-Saquee, the seaweed-clearing machine is out of service damaged by surgical waste sucked into its nozzle. Without proper equipment or inter-agency support, cleanup efforts have stalled. “It’s a herculean task,” Saquee said, noting that the Board’s mandate doesn’t even include sanitation.
Livelihoods at Risk- Local entrepreneurs who depend on beach tourism are sounding the alarm. The stench of fresh seaweed, coupled with the visual blight of abandoned fishing vessels, is driving away guests and eroding the city’s reputation as a coastal destination. “We’ve received several complaints from our guests,” said John Lahai, secretary at West End Palace. “The seaweed is not just a nuisance, it’s bad for business.”
The semi-industrial vessels, often left for months without crews, trap debris and block access to cleaning teams. Their presence has become a symbol of bureaucratic inertia. Despite public notices from the Maritime Administration, no clear plan exists for their removal.
Institutional Breakdown-While the Ministry of Tourism insists it is working to keep the beaches clean, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Saquee accused the Freetown City Council of shirking its responsibilities, saying, “We’ve triggered this for several years, and the results are not encouraging.” The lack of coordination between agencies has left the beaches in limbo, caught between mandates and budget constraints.
A Crisis Beneath the Surface- This is not just a sanitation issue, it’s a crisis of accountability. The unchecked spread of seaweed and debris threatens marine ecosystems, deters tourism, and undermines the livelihoods of thousands who depend on Freetown’s beaches. Until maritime authorities, city officials, and community stakeholders unite in action, the promise of clean, welcoming shores will remain buried beneath waves of waste and neglect.
