Freetown, 3rd February 2025 – In a continued effort to enhance disaster management awareness and transparency, Bournemouth University has supported the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) in constructing three Service Delivery Charter signposts and one billboard. The billboard has been erected at NDMA’s headquarters in Freetown, while the three signposts will be installed in key regional locations across the country.
The Service Delivery Charter billboard and signposts serve as a vital communication tool, ensuring that citizens understand NDMA’s role in disaster preparedness, emergency response, and recovery efforts. They outline the agency’s mission, core values, and service standards, providing clear guidelines on how the public can engage with NDMA during emergencies.
Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Brima Sesay, Director-General of NDMA, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating:
“The erection of these signposts and billboard marks a significant step in making our services more accessible to the public. By displaying our commitments clearly, we are reinforcing our dedication to transparency, accountability, and efficient disaster management.”
The initiative is part of Bournemouth University’s ongoing collaboration with NDMA, which has also led to research-driven projects such as AFRICAB (Driving African Capacity-Building in Disaster Management) and EVALDIS (Evaluating Local Disaster Management in Sierra Leone). These projects have contributed valuable insights that have shaped NDMA’s policies and improved disaster response mechanisms.
Professor Lee Miles from Bournemouth University’s Disaster Management Centre expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating:
“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to strengthening disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness in Sierra Leone. The Service Delivery Charter billboard and signposts will serve as important tools for ensuring that communities are well-informed about NDMA’s services and how to access support in times of need.
While the first billboard is now prominently displayed at NDMA’s headquarters in Freetown, the three signposts will soon be installed in key regional locations to ensure that communities outside the capital also benefit from access to critical disaster management information.
This initiative underscores the importance of public awareness in effective disaster response and highlights the impact of international partnerships in building resilience and safeguarding communities across the country.
