AYV News, March 27, 2025
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has conducted a vulnerability risk assessment on a dangerously deteriorating two-storey building at 27 Garrison Street in Freetown’s Central Business District.
The structure, owned by Dr. Onodi William, who resides in Denmark, has partially collapsed, with deep cracks posing an imminent threat to occupants and passersby.
The building houses multiple businesses, including a stationery shop, a café, three stores, and twelve sub-set shops. Given its unstable condition, the NDMA immediately ordered all occupants to vacate the premises to prevent potential loss of life or property.
Speaking at the site, NDMA’s Director of Risk Reduction and Preparedness, Maada Salia, urged shop owners and vendors to prioritize their safety over financial concerns. He warned that the structure could collapse at any time, and continuing business operations within it would be life-threatening.
Reinforcing this message, NDMA’s Director of Communications, Mohamed L. Bah, emphasized the agency’s commitment to proactive disaster management, including early warning systems, preparedness, and mitigation efforts. He stressed that the NDMA is taking decisive action to prevent casualties and urged all occupants to comply with the evacuation directive.
On behalf of the affected business owners, Sallieu Kargbo, a shop owner and caretaker of the building, expressed appreciation for the NDMA’s swift intervention. He acknowledged the severity of the situation and assured that he and other business owners would adhere to the agency’s instructions.
Following the assessment, the NDMA has engaged the Freetown City Council (FCC) and other relevant authorities to determine the next steps. This includes urging the owner to either carry out a controlled demolition or secure the premises to prevent further hazards.
The NDMA strongly advises property owners and landlords across Freetown to conduct regular structural assessments to ensure their buildings meet safety standards. The agency remains committed to protecting lives and property through robust disaster prevention, preparedness and response mechanisms.
Residents and business owners are encouraged to report structurally compromised buildings to the NDMA for early intervention.
