By Yusufu S. Bangura
CEO &Founder of FWT, Aminata speaking to stakeholders
Freetown Waste Transformers (FWT), a leading provider of organic waste-to-energy solutions in Sierra Leone, officially launched its innovative USSD feature, *380#, for the ‘DortiBox’ app on Friday, December 13, 2024.
The groundbreaking initiative aims to transform waste management in Freetown, simplifying access to waste collection services, particularly for residents without smartphones.
The launch event, held at Hillside Bypass Road, Model in Freetown, marked a major milestone for FWT as it begins implementing waste management services in Block 6, following a recently awarded contract.
The event brought together community stakeholders and highlighted the company’s vision to modernize waste management while supporting Freetown City Council’s (FCC) digital transformation goals.
Community Stakeholders present at the event
The new *380# USSD feature, available on the Orange mobile network, allows users to register for waste collection services with ease. FWT Founder and CEO Aminata Dumbuya emphasized that the upgraded ‘DortiBox’ app, now in version 2.0, integrates digital tools with sustainable waste-to-energy solutions.
The upgrade aims to streamline waste management activities, ensuring improved service delivery and fostering community participation.
“Our initiative is a significant step toward addressing waste management challenges in Freetown,” said Dumbuya. “Cleanliness is next to godliness, and this project empowers residents to take charge of their environment while creating job opportunities for the youth.”
FWT’s waste-to-energy process converts food waste into electricity, heat, and fertilizer, directly reducing energy and waste management costs for households and businesses.
The initiative also seeks to harmonize operations by collaborating with local waste enterprises, ensuring efficiency and better community engagement.
Speaking on behalf of local stakeholders, Chief Yalimamy Fofanah commended FWT for its innovative approach and urged residents to fully embrace the initiative. She encouraged households to use the DortiBox services instead of relying on informal waste disposal systems, noting that the revenues generated from the project would benefit the community by transforming waste into valuable energy resources.
DortuBox, available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store, also enables households to request and schedule waste collection services from their homes. The addition of the *380# feature ensures inclusivity, catering to residents with limited access to smartphones.
With a five-year concession period in Block 6, FWT is committed to ensuring widespread waste collection and creating a sustainable waste management ecosystem in Freetown.
The initiative not only addresses environmental challenges but also contributes to economic growth by involving local youth in waste collection efforts.
“This collaboration between local leaders, FCC, and residents will set a new standard for waste management in Freetown. Together, we can achieve a cleaner, more sustainable city,” Dumbuya concluded.
The launch of the *380# ‘DortiBox’ feature signals a transformative journey for Freetown, blending technology, community engagement, and environmental sustainability to build a cleaner and greener future.
