By Sahr Ibrahim Komba
The recent spate of building collapses in Sierra Leone, particularly in the capital city of Freetown, has raised alarm among citizens and experts alike, leading to the tragic loss of lives and property. According to industry experts, these incidents are often attributed to the involvement of unqualified engineers who dominate the construction industry, often using substandard materials in their projects.
Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Brima Sesay, Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), expressed deep concern over the recent building collapses, describing them as unfortunate events that demand immediate action. Speaking to the press, he called for a comprehensive review of the licensing process for construction companies in Sierra Leone. He emphasized the need for the Sierra Leone Institute of Engineers to regulate its membership more rigorously and to reassess the credentials of all its members.
Lt. Gen. Sesay revealed that some construction companies in the country are bypassing the employment of trained and qualified engineers, opting instead to hire unqualified contractors to cut costs. This practice, he said, is a significant factor in the poor quality of construction that leads to such disasters.
He urged the public to ensure they engage only licensed construction companies with proven track records in the engineering sector. He also stressed the importance of employing competent technicians who are supervised by qualified engineers, and using standard, high-quality building materials to ensure the safety and durability of structures.
The NDMA, Lt. Gen. Sesay disclosed, will be conducting thorough investigations into the recent building collapses to identify the root causes and hold those responsible accountable. He emphasized the need for a robust accountability system to prevent future occurrences of such tragedies.
Moreover, Lt. Gen. Sesay called on the Sierra Leone Institute of Engineers to prioritize continuous professional development for its members, insisting that all engineers should possess certificates or degrees from recognized institutions in the country.
In addition to the building collapses, Lt. Gen. Sesay highlighted the challenges his agency faces in mitigating disaster risks, particularly in urban areas. He attributed the frequent flooding in Freetown to illegal constructions in waterways and poor waste disposal practices. To combat these issues, the NDMA has implemented a flood mitigation strategy in vulnerable communities, which includes clearing clogged drainage systems. He also mentioned ongoing collaborations with other partners to enhance disaster mitigation efforts across the city.
Lt. Gen. Sesay concluded by urging the public to avoid living in disaster-prone areas and to adhere to safety guidelines to minimize the risk of future disasters.
