Freetown, 7th October, 2026 – The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), in collaboration with the Office of National Security (ONS), the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and other relevant sector institutions, on Tuesday, October 6, demolished a building under construction located in the vicinity of Orugu Bridge, Jui, following a decision by the National Security Council Coordinating Group (NSCCG).

The NSCCG, the second highest forum for the consideration and determination of national security matters in Sierra Leone, considered the risks associated with the structure and directed the establishment of a technical working group to assess the situation and take appropriate action. The NDMA was tasked to provide leadership to the technical working group.

The technical working group comprises representatives from the NDMA, ONS, the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, the Road Maintenance Fund Administration (RMFA), the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), RSLAF, SLP and other sector MDAs.

Following a technical assessment and structural inspection, the group identified significant safety concerns, particularly the structure’s proximity to the Orugu Bridge and a waterway, as well as the potential risks it posed to residents, motorists, road users, and security threats.

Providing leadership to the technical working group, NDMA Director General, John Vandy Rogers, said the intervention demonstrates the importance of coordinated action in identifying and addressing hazards before they result in loss of life or damage to critical infrastructure.

“We cannot afford to wait for a disaster to occur before taking action. Where technical assessments identify serious risks to lives, property or critical infrastructure, the responsible institutions must act. This operation reflects our collective commitment to proactive disaster risk reduction and public safety.” DG Rogers stated.

Speaking at the demolition site, NDMA Deputy Director General, Sulaiman B. Sowa, said the demolition was informed by the findings of the technical assessment and was intended to prevent potential loss of life, protect property and safeguard critical infrastructure.

“As an Agency mandated to prepare for, prevent and respond to disaster risks, NDMA has a responsibility to act when significant hazards are identified. This exercise is about addressing the risk before it develops into a more serious emergency,” DDG Sowa stated.

The exercise was undertaken as a coordinated operation involving security and technical institutions to ensure that the demolition is conducted safely and orderly.

Also speaking at the site, NDMA Director of Relief and Response, Sinneh Mansaray, stressed the need for greater compliance with building standards, construction approvals and technical requirements. He called on developers, engineers and the public to take construction safety seriously and ensure that all necessary approvals are obtained before and during construction.

NDMA is further cautioning the public against constructing in prohibited, unsafe or environmentally sensitive areas, particularly locations that may obstruct waterways or threaten roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. Developers and property owners are urged to obtain the required approvals and seek appropriate technical guidance before commencing construction.

The Agency hereby warns that construction in prohibited or high risk areas can expose lives and property to serious danger and may attract enforcement action where violations are established.

The Orugu Bridge operation highlights NDMA’s commitment to proactive disaster risk reduction and its continued collaboration with government institutions to protect lives, property and critical national infrastructure across Sierra Leone.

 

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