Samura Kamara, leader of Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), has called for immediate action following the collapse of a seven-story building at Shell New Road, Kissy, in Freetown, which has claimed the lives of at least 16 people.
Kamara took to social media, expressing his grief over the tragedy and urging the government to implement stronger housing regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“With a heavy heart, I speak to you again following my last message after visiting the disaster site,” Kamara wrote. “At the last count by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), we are now mourning the tragic loss of some 16 innocent loved ones, including adult men, women, and children, while being confronted with several families that are now homeless.”
Kamara extended his condolences to the grieving families, emphasizing the heartbreaking nature of the loss.
“Both the dead and the surviving were lives filled with promise, a promise now tragically cut short, and I extend my deepest sympathies to the grieving families. The pain you are enduring is unimaginable, and I stand with you during this time of grief.”
The opposition leader praised the efforts of the NDMA, the Freetown City Council (FCC), and other rescue teams who worked tirelessly to retrieve victims and save survivors.
“Your courage and dedication exemplify the indomitable spirit of Sierra Leone, and for that, we are eternally grateful,” Kamara said. He also highlighted the successful rescue of eight survivors from the rubble.
However, Kamara stressed that the disaster must serve as a “wake-up call” for the nation, citing deep-seated structural issues in Sierra Leone’s housing sector. “This tragedy reflects deep structural issues in our society that need our urgent attention – issues that we can no longer ignore.”
He pointed to a 2022 study by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) which found that the lack of access to adequate and affordable housing in Sierra Leone compromises the country’s pathways for sustainable and inclusive urban development.
“Housing represents not just shelter but a determinant of people’s health, economic security, and safety,” Kamara noted, urging authorities to pay attention to the study’s findings.
In his message, Kamara raised critical questions about the collapse, asking, “Were proper building standards followed? Was this preventable?” He called on the government to launch “an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the causes of this disaster” to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies.
He further emphasized the need for stricter building regulations, pledging that as a political leader, he would advocate for robust safety laws.
“This is not just about preventing another building collapse — it is about safeguarding the lives of every Sierra Leonean.”
Kamara’s message resonates with growing concerns over the safety of urban housing in Sierra Leone, particularly as the country faces rapid urbanization and the effects of climate change.
