NaCSA Meets with Mayors on GPW Progress...

The National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) convened a strategic meeting on *Thursday, 12th June 2025*, bringing together mayors and representatives from six cities—Port Loko, Makeni, Bo, Bonthe, Kenema, and Koindu New Sembehun—to assess the progress of the Green Public Works (GPW) initiative.

NaCSA is leading the implementation of the GPW sub-component under the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) project. This initiative is designed to provide short-term employment opportunities for young people aged 18 to 35, focusing on environmental sustainability through activities such as garbage collection and tree planting.

Recognizing the importance of capacity building, NaCSA recently launched a comprehensive training program for 3,500 beneficiaries across the six cities. This program aims to equip participants with life skills and practical knowledge, ensuring they can contribute meaningfully to their communities while preparing for long-term employment.

During the meeting, Ambassador Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina, Commissioner of NaCSA, reaffirmed the government's commitment to inclusive development under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio. He emphasized the critical role of local councils in ensuring the success of GPW, stating: *"As a Commission, our relationship with the councils will add greater value to what we are doing and contribute to national development."*

Ambassador Ndomahina also highlighted that NaCSA has provided training programs and field visits to enhance the capacity of councils in leading city beautification and sustainable development.

Ambassador Tamba Lamina, Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, acknowledged NaCSA’s ongoing support to local councils. He urged the mayors to ensure smooth implementation of the GPW initiative and reassured them of the President’s commitment to strengthening local government structures. He stated: *"His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio remains committed to working with local government structures and bringing development to Sierra Leone. I recognize the work NaCSA is doing with the councils, and I will give an update to the executive on this impressive engagement. "*

Honorable Abdul Latiff Sesay, Chairman Parliamentary Committee on NGOs and NaCSA, reiterated that the work of NaCSA, particularly in social protection and youth employment, is vital to the resilience of our communities. He commended the Commission’s efforts in implementing the GPW, which not only provides employment but also restores dignity and purpose to our young people.

The mayors from the six cities—Makeni, Port Loko, Bo, Kenema, Koindu New Sembehun, and Bonthe—expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of GPW in their respective cities. They emphasized their satisfaction with the project and pledged to execute it effectively, ensuring that it meets its intended goals of employment creation and environmental sustainability.

With the support of the World Bank and other stakeholders, NaCSA continues to expand the GPW initiative, ensuring that youth employment and environmental sustainability remain at the forefront of Sierra Leone’s development agenda.

*For further information on this and other matters, please contact:*

*The Information, Education and Communication Unit*

*+23278155556/+23277022709/+23230518539*