Six-Storey Building Demolition Threatens Lives and Property in Freetown – NDMA Issues Stern Warning

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has issued strong safety directives to the contractor handling the demolition of a six-storey building at No. 1 Sanders Street, Freetown, after observing that the ongoing operation is posing a danger to nearby properties.

According to NDMA, monitoring visits revealed that the demolition work had already caused damage to two neighbouring buildings: Eddie Turay and Partners’ Chambers and a business shop known as Mask Clothing.

In response to these concerns, the Agency ordered the demolition schedule to be shifted to 6:00 p.m. onwards to reduce public exposure during busy hours. NDMA further instructed that additional protective installations, including more tents, tarpaulins and safety barriers, be put in place to shield surrounding structures from further damage.

The NDMA stated that the contractor, Maan Sied Construction Company, will take full responsibility for the damages already incurred by the affected businesses. The Agency is also planning a table-talk meeting with key stakeholders, including Mr. Kabba of Eddie Turay and Partners’ Chambers and representatives of Mask Clothing, to reinforce safety measures for the remaining phases of the demolition.

NDMA emphasized that the directives are intended to reduce risks to the public while ensuring accountability as the controlled demolition continues.

The building was first flagged in July 2025 after residents reported serious structural defects. A joint assessment on 24 July, conducted by NDMA, the Freetown City Council (FCC), the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, the Ministry of Works and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), found severe deterioration between the first and third floors, including weakened load-bearing columns and beams.

NDMA’s Director of Risk Reduction and Preparedness, Ing. Francis Maada Salia, said the cracks and unstable beams posed a significant danger of collapse. Following the assessment, the building owner agreed to demolish the structure, and Maan Sied Construction Company commenced controlled demolition on 1 November 2025.

The NDMA maintains that the latest directives are necessary to safeguard lives and property as demolition work proceeds.