Freetown , November 27th 2025 – In early July 2025, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) received reports about the alarming condition of a six-storey building at No. 1 Sanders Street in central Freetown. The NDMA quickly alerted the Freetown City Council (FCC), the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, the Ministry of Works, and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). A meeting was held and all parties agreed to conduct a joint structural assessment of the building.
The assessment was carried out on 24 July 2025 and revealed severe structural defects throughout the building. The most critical deterioration was found between the first and third floors, where major load-bearing columns and beams had significantly weakened. According to NDMA’s Director of Risk Reduction and Preparedness, Ing. Francis Maada Salia, the building exhibited deep cracks and unstable beams, which could give way and potentially lead to a total collapse.
Following the assessment, the building owner was formally engaged and agreed to demolish the structure to prevent a potential disaster. The NDMA, the FCC, and the Ministry of Lands, participated in the evaluation and awarding of the demolition contract to Maan Sied Construction Company, which began the controlled demolition exercise on 1st November 2025.
However, during subsequent visits to the site, the NDMA observed that the demolition itself poses considerable danger to nearby structures. The operation has already caused damage to two nearby buildings, which include Eddie Turay and Partners’ Chambers and a Business Shop known as Mask Clothing which prompted the Agency to issue the safety directives.
The NDMA has therefore instructed that the demolition activities be rescheduled to begin from 6:00 p.m. onwards to reduce public exposure and minimize risk during peak hours. The Agency further ordered the installation of enhanced protective measures, including more tents, tarpaulins, and safety barriers to prevent additional damage to surrounding properties. Additionally, NDMA directed that the contractor take full responsibility for all damages already incurred by Eddie Turay and Partners’ Chambers and Mask Clothing.
After these directives are fully adhered to, the NDMA will convene a table-talk meeting with Mr. Kabba of Eddie Turay and Partners’ Chambers and Marks Clothing to ensure improved safety standards for the remaining phases of the demolition.
