Freetown, September 24, 2024 – In response to the alarming rise in building collapses across the city, the Sierra Leone Institute of Architects (SLIA) and the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers (SLIE) have come together for a critical meeting to address the crisis.
The leadership of both professional bodies met on Tuesday at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown to discuss solutions to prevent further incidents.
The meeting, led by SLIE President Ing. Oba Agwu Jones and SLIA President Arc. Manilius Garber, focused on the root causes of the collapses, particularly in the Western Area.
Both groups expressed concern over the tragic loss of life and property, and warned that more buildings are at risk due to the widespread use of unqualified and unregistered builders posing as architects and engineers.
The discussions centered on implementing stricter regulations and ensuring that all building projects involve certified professionals.
The institutions called on the public and developers to avoid engaging unqualified individuals in construction projects, highlighting the importance of hiring registered architects and engineers.
They also addressed the laxity in the current building permit issuance process, managed by the Ministry of Lands, and urged authorities to adopt a more stringent approach. Both SLIA and SLIE emphasized the need for permits to be granted only to projects designed by certified professionals.
Furthermore, they reiterated the importance of finalizing the long-pending National Building Code, which was first proposed by the SLIA in 2021.
In a show of immediate action, the two bodies formed a joint working committee to assess the structural integrity of the UNIMTECH University building in Kissy, which has raised concerns of potential collapse.
Several key figures from both organizations were in attendance, including Arc. Mohammed Coomber, Arc. Abel Onomake, Arc. Joseph Conteh, Arc. Ivan Labija, Ing. Jacob L. Tarlowoh, Ing. Simeon Kanbay, and Ing. Christopher Thomas. The meeting concluded with a call for architects and engineers to become more active and visible in the community, ensuring their expertise is better utilized to safeguard public safety.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of multiple building failures, the joint effort by SLIA and SLIE is seen as a vital step towards enhancing construction standards and preventing further disasters.
