As the struggle to clinch the mayoral seat in the Freetown City Council intensifies ahead of the November 17 general elections, one of the candidates intending to be mayor has initiated 'Operation Pick the Plastic' along major streets in the east of Freetown on Saturday.

In an interview, Christian Cole said the exercise was initiated to demonstrate the need for the people in the east of Freetown to prioritise sanitation and he was glad for the positive turnout recorded as residents came out in their numbers to collect polythene materials in most parts of their communities.

Cole noted that cleaning of the cemeteries, dumping sites, market areas and drainages in the city has always become part of the day to day work of the youth group which supports his candidacy and some members of the multi-religious council in their respective communities for the past months.

He added that his vision when he assumes the position of Mayor of the city is not to enrich himself overnight but to help clean and develop the city.

A member of one of the support groups of Christian Cole in the east-end of Freetown, Mohamed Bangura, said 'Operation Pick the Plastic' is also supported by motorbike riders who support Cole's candidacy for Freetown Mayor.