Freetown – The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has confirmed that the Administrative Building of the University of Management and Technology (UNIMTECH) at the Kissy Dockyard campus has been evacuated following structural concerns.
The evacuation came after assessments conducted by several agencies, including the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and the Sierra Leone Institute of Engineers (SLIE).
In a press release issued by the Ministry dated 18 October 2024, it was revealed that the decision to evacuate was based on recommendations from a joint team consisting of experts from the Ministries of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, as well as the Ministry of Works.
According to the statement, “The building in question has been evacuated and cordoned off following a directive from the Ministry of Lands.”
The Ministry further reported that other buildings on the campus have been deemed structurally sound and will continue to be used for lectures and administrative functions in the upcoming academic year.
“We can confirm that the rest of the buildings on the UNIMTECH campus are safe for use,” MTHE stated.
UNIMTECH is currently awaiting further action from the Ministry of Lands, which has engaged the Ministry of Works to conduct a comprehensive structural integrity test to assess the safety of the affected building. The Ministry of Lands has also allocated a piece of land on the outskirts of Freetown for the construction of a new UNIMTECH campus, providing a long-term solution to the issue.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of safety for both staff and students, saying, “The safety of all individuals within our tertiary institutions remains a top priority.”
Further updates on the situation will be provided as new information becomes available.
