Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has pledged urgent reforms and stricter enforcement of building regulations following the tragic collapse of a seven-story building in Shell, Kissy, in the eastern part of Freetown. The collapse, which occurred within the last 24 hours, has claimed the lives of nine people, including vulnerable women and children, and left several others injured. Rescue efforts continue as teams work tirelessly to locate survivors.
During his visit to the site, Vice President Jalloh expressed deep sympathy for the victims and their families, offering condolences on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio, who is currently out of the country. The Vice President commended the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), military personnel, police officers, and local volunteers for their swift response and unwavering dedication to saving lives.
In his remarks, Retired Lieutenant General Brima Sesay of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), who is leading the rescue operations, conf
irmed that 16 people had been identified from the rubble-seven survivors and nine casualties. Survivors, many of whom sustained severe injuries, were immediately transferred to Rokupa Hospital, while those requiring advanced medical attention were moved to Choitram Memorial Hospital.
Vice President Jalloh acknowledged the growing concern over the country’s construction practices, pointing out that this tragic event underscores a systemic issue in building regulations and safety enforcement. “This tragedy points to a structural problem in how buildings are constructed and regulated in this area and across the country,” he remarked. He emphasized the importance of adherence to building codes and announced that the government is working on building code reforms to establish more explicit guidelines and improve the overall safety of construction projects.
The Vice President also mentioned ongoing efforts to centralize the building permit process, ensuring greater scrutiny before approval. “The Government will p
ay special attention to ensure that people secure proper building permits and that thorough testing is done on the land and structures before construction,” he said. These measures, he added, would prevent future tragedies of this nature.
The Vice President clarified that non-compliance with safety standards will not be tolerated. He warned that structures posing a risk to public safety will be demolished if they fail to meet the required standards. “The government is prepared to take decisive action against violators,” he stated firmly.
As the nation mourns the lives lost, the government has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse. The Vice President’s visit and the government’s commitment to supporting survivors and affected families strongly signal a renewed focus on public safety and accountability.
With rescue efforts ongoing by the National Disaster Management Office, the solidarity remains a beacon of hope in these dark times, as neighbours, volunteers, and professio
nals work together to ensure no one is left behind under the rubble.
The Vice President also visited the injured survivors at Rokupa Hospital, where children and other victims receive care. “We are committed to ensuring that those who survived receive the best possible care in the hospital and that the families of the victims are given the assistance they need during this difficult time,” Jalloh assured.
Source: Sierra Leone News Agency
