A team from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, led by the Development Secretary, Peter Sam-Kpakra visited the site of the Susan’s Bay Community to conduct an assessment on the impact of the devastating fire that occurred on the 24th March 2021, which quickly tore through the Community.

The visit, as a Ministry, among other things, was to continue to prompt more humanitarian support that is being led by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and the Freetown City Council (FCC), NGOs and other development partners.

The team also assessed how, as a Ministry, they can plan the needed structural measures required for a potential relocation and development of the Slum area.

The Chief of the Susan’s Bay Community, Pa Alimamy Kamara II, reported on the items they’ve received so far including, supply of food and water for up to 5000 victims, over 50 erected tents with seven large water tanks.

He noted that the FCC and the NDMA Pillar Leads have been playing supporting and coordinating roles for registration, shelter, water/sanitation, logistics, psychosocial and nutrition among other things for victims of the incident.

In his response, the Development Secretary, Peter Sam-Kpakra said that the Ministry would engage its partners to boost the support already provided; noting that the Ministry was also trying to put together a sustainable plan for potential future development of slum communities in Freetown working with the FCC and other development partners.

Mr Sam-Kpakra said that the Ministry would coordinate with its partners, especially the NGO community to provide the urgent support required to improve the lives of the victims.