Freetown, 29th June 2026 – The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), in collaboration with one of its partners, Concern Worldwide has provided direct cash assistance to victims affected by a devastating fire incident that struck a residential community along Signal Hill, Main Motor Road, Freetown, on 18th June 2026.
According to the NDMA’s assessment, the fire affected 17 households, with a total population of 77 people. The incident also destroyed six oversized makeshift structures and damaged five business shops, leaving many families and small business owners in urgent need of assistance.
Through its Inter-Pillar Coordination Meeting, the NDMA engaged Concern Worldwide to explore possible response interventions to support the affected households. Following the engagement, Concern Worldwide responded positively by committing to provide cash assistance to the affected victims.
The cash assistance was structured to address the most pressing needs of the affected victims. Each beneficiary received Le3,000 to support immediate food needs, Le3,500 per affected household for temporary shelter, and Le500 per child to help meet the specific needs and wellbeing of children affected by the disaster.
The exercise was coordinated by Ronald Turay, Principal Officer in the Directorate of Relief and Response at the NDMA, who reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that disaster affected communities receive timely and well coordinated humanitarian assistance.
“The NDMA remains committed to ensuring that disaster affected communities receive prompt and coordinated support. Through effective collaboration with partners such as Concern Worldwide, we are able to mobilise timely assistance that responds directly to the needs of affected families. We also encourage all humanitarian organisations, development partners, non governmental organisations and institutions engaged in emergency response to continue working closely with the NDMA in accordance with Section 50 of the NDMA Act of 2020, which mandates coordination and collaboration in disaster management to enhance accountability and prevent the duplication of humanitarian assistance,” Turay said.
Also present was Councillor Satta Kamara of Ward 437, Constituency 128. She expressed appreciation to the NDMA and Concern Worldwide for responding swiftly to the plight of affected residents.
“Our people have endured an extremely difficult period, and this support will go a long way in helping families begin rebuilding their lives. I sincerely thank the NDMA for coordinating this intervention and Concern Worldwide for responding promptly to the needs of our community.” She said.
The Programme Director of Concern Worldwide, Sarah Cundy, commended the NDMA for providing the national coordination framework that enables partners to deliver assistance efficiently, transparently and to those most in need.
“Concern Worldwide highly values its partnership with the NDMA. The Agency’s leadership and coordination ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches the right people at the right time. We remain committed to working closely with the NDMA and look forward to continuing our collaboration in providing timely assistance to disaster affected communities across Sierra Leone,” Ms. Cundy said.
The intervention is part of the NDMA’s continuous effort to coordinate timely interventions for disaster affected communities across Sierra Leone through partnerships with development and humanitarian organisations.
For More Enquiries:
Directorate of Communications
Toll-Free Line: 1199 (All Networks)
Email: mohamedlbah@ndma.gov.sl
Website: www.ndma.gov.sl
