Freetown, 24th March 2025 – The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has issued an urgent evacuation order for a dangerously deteriorating two-storey building at 27 Garrison Street in Freetown’s Central Business District.
The structure, which has partially collapsed and developed deep cracks, poses an imminent threat to both occupants and pedestrians.
Owned by Dr. Onodi William, who resides in Denmark, the building accommodates multiple businesses, including a stationery shop, a café, three stores, and twelve sublet shops. Concerned about the risk of a full collapse, the NDMA swiftly intervened, mandating all occupants to vacate the premises immediately to prevent potential loss of life and property.
During an on-site assessment, Maada Salia, NDMA’s Director of Risk Reduction and Preparedness, urged shop owners and vendors to prioritize their safety over financial considerations.
“This building is at high risk of collapsing at any moment. Continuing business activities here is life-threatening,” he warned.
Echoing the urgency, Mohamed L. Bah, NDMA’s Director of Communications, reaffirmed the agency’s proactive approach to disaster prevention, emphasizing early warning systems, preparedness, and mitigation measures.
He stressed that the NDMA is taking decisive action to avert casualties and called on all affected parties to comply with the evacuation order.
Shop owner and building caretaker Sallieu Kargbo, speaking on behalf of the affected businesses, expressed gratitude for the NDMA’s swift intervention.
He acknowledged the severity of the situation and assured that business owners would adhere to the agency’s directives.
The NDMA has since engaged the Freetown City Council (FCC) and other relevant authorities to discuss the next course of action. Officials are urging the property owner to either conduct a controlled demolition or implement urgent safety measures to prevent further hazards.
In light of this incident, the NDMA is advising property owners across Freetown to conduct regular structural assessments to ensure their buildings meet safety standards. The agency remains committed to safeguarding lives and property through robust disaster prevention and response mechanisms.
Residents and business owners are encouraged to report any structurally compromised buildings to the NDMA for prompt intervention.
