Freetown, November 27, 2025 — The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has issued a set of urgent safety directives after the ongoing demolition of a structurally compromised six-storey building at No. 1 Sanders Street, central Freetown, resulted in damage to nearby properties.
The agency first received reports in early July 2025 about the dangerous condition of the building. In response, NDMA promptly alerted the Freetown City Council (FCC), the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, the Ministry of Works, and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA).
A joint meeting was convened, and all stakeholders agreed to undertake a unified structural assessment.
The assessment conducted on July 24, 2025, revealed extensive structural failures. The most critical defects were located between the first and third floors, where key load-bearing columns and beams had deteriorated significantly.
According to NDMA’s Director of Risk Reduction and Preparedness, Ing. Francis Maada Salia, the building had deep cracks and unstable beams “with a high likelihood of giving way,” potentially triggering a full collapse.
Following the findings, the building owner agreed to proceed with demolition to avert disaster. The NDMA, FCC, and the Ministry of Lands collaborated in evaluating and awarding the demolition contract to Maan Sied Construction Company, which commenced controlled demolition on November 1, 2025.
However, recent NDMA monitoring visits have revealed that the demolition process itself has created hazards. The operation has already caused damage to two nearby properties—Eddie Turay and Partners’ Chambers, and a business premises known as Mask Clothing—prompting the agency to enforce additional safety measures.
To mitigate further risks, the NDMA has ordered that demolition activities be restricted to evening hours, beginning at 6:00 p.m., to reduce public exposure during peak daytime movement.
The agency has also mandated the installation of enhanced protective measures, including additional tents, tarpaulins, and safety barriers to shield nearby buildings from debris and impact.
Furthermore, NDMA has directed the contractor, Maan Sied Construction Company, to take full responsibility for the damages already sustained by both Eddie Turay and Partners’ Chambers and Mask Clothing.
Once the directives have been fully implemented, NDMA will convene a table-talk meeting with Mr. Kabba of Eddie Turay and Partners’ Chambers and the management of Mask Clothing. The aim is to strengthen coordination and uphold rigorous safety standards throughout the remaining phases of the demolition.
The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring that all demolition activities in the city are carried out responsibly and in line with national safety protocols.
