By: Saidu Jalloh
In a recent government weekly press conference, Retired Lieutenant General Brima Sesay, the Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency, outlined comprehensive strategies aimed at curbing potential disasters during the upcoming rainy season.
Sesay detailed the agency’s proactive initiatives, highlighting the construction of vital infrastructure such as drainages to mitigate flood risks. Notably, a 295-meter-long drainage at Wellington, Walter Street, has already proven effective in preventing flooding, marking a significant improvement since its completion.
Addressing past tragedies, Sesay acknowledged the loss of 40 lives during the 2022 flooding in Freetown, a figure substantially reduced in 2023 due to the agency’s preemptive measures. Despite this progress, he expressed regret over the four fatalities recorded in the previous year’s wet season, including a couple killed by a rock and two children swept away by floodwaters.
The agency’s preparatory efforts extended to community assistance, with substantial drainage clearing undertaken in areas vulnerable to flooding. Collaborative efforts with organizations like CRS facilitated extensive clearing projects, including 250 meters in Cauckle Bay Community and 425 meters in Kolleh Town.
Sesay applauded philanthropic contributions from entities like Bollore and individual benefactors like Mr. Gento Kamara, whose interventions significantly reduced flood risks in communities like Colbert Community.
Beyond immediate response, Sesay stressed the agency’s broader mandate, which encompasses disaster management, risk reduction, and climate resilience. He underscored their responsibility to implement government policies at various levels, ensuring the effective execution of national, regional, and local disaster management plans.
In conclusion, Sesay reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to disaster prevention and mitigation, emphasizing their dedication to minimizing the impact of potential disasters on communities across the country.