Freetown, 7th March 2025 – The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has conducted a comprehensive assessment of ongoing illegal constructions along a major waterway at SLBS Drive, 7th Battalion. This intervention is part of NDMA’s annual Flood Mitigation Strategy (FMS) ahead of the rainy season. Since its establishment, the NDMA has been implementing its FMS nationwide to identify potential flood hazards and take appropriate measures to prevent flood-related disasters.
During the assessment, NDMA field officers observed extensive construction activities, including makeshift and permanent structures being erected directly on the watercourse. These developments significantly increase the vulnerability of surrounding communities to flooding, property damage, and potential loss of life during the rainy season.
Speaking to community members, NDMA’s Director of Risk Reduction and Preparedness, Ing. Maada Salia, emphasized the dangers of building in high-risk areas. He stated, “Construction on waterways disrupts the free flow of storm water, leading to severe flooding, destruction of property, and possible fatalities. You should stop work immediately. This is not an ideal place for construction. NDMA has a mandate to prevent disasters before they occur, and we will work with relevant authorities to ensure these structures are completely demolished and monitoring systems are put in place to prevent future reconstruction.”
In a separate engagement with residents to raise awareness about the dangers of constructing structures on waterways, community members expressed mixed reactions. Some acknowledged the risks and called on the relevant authorities to take strict action, stating that they have long opposed such illegal constructions, but owners have remained defiant. Others argued that limited access to affordable land has forced them to settle in hazardous zones.
The NDMA will continue collaborating with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Freetown City Council and other sector players to enforce building regulations and prevent further encroachments on waterways.
As the Agency continues implementing its Flood Mitigation Strategy to reduce flood-related disasters in Freetown and beyond, the NDMA urges the public to adhere to building regulations and avoid settling in flood-prone areas. The agency remains committed to safeguarding lives and property through proactive disaster management strategies.
