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The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has concluded flood mitigation and disaster preparedness interventions in Makeni, Bo, and Kenema as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce the impact of flooding during the upcoming rainy season, with support from GOAL SL.
The intervention is part of the Agency’s annual flood mitigation strategy, which aims to identify flood-prone communities and implement preventive measures to safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods during the peak of the rains.
Furthermore, in Makeni City, the mitigation exercise was undertaken at a major waterway along Mabanta-Lunsar Road by the Fisheries area. The team was led by the Director of Risk Reduction and Preparedness, Maada Salia, alongside the Director of Regions, Degauleh Juana, Deputy Director of Risk Reduction and Preparedness, Gerald King, Northern Regional Coordinator, Mamadie Lansana Kondeh, and the regional team.
According to the ministry, before commencing the cleaning exercises in Makeni, Bo, and Kenema, the teams engaged local stakeholders, community leaders, and youth groups on the purpose of their visit. The engagement also gave us a chance to share multi-hazard awareness messages, including effective waste management practices and the need to avoid activities that put lives and the environment at risk.
Speaking during the commencement of the exercise in Makeni, Director Maada Salia said the Agency remains committed to proactive disaster management rather than reactive interventions.
“Flood mitigation is a collective responsibility. Our focus is to work closely with communities to reduce risks before disasters occur. Preventive action remains the most effective way to protect lives and property,” he said.
Addressing community leaders and residents in Bo, Chief of Operations Kai Banya emphasized the importance of collective action in reducing flood risks and protecting vulnerable communities.
“We cannot prevent disasters alone as an institution. Communities must take ownership of their environment by keeping drainages clear and supporting mitigation efforts that will help save lives and property,” he said.
After Bo, the Southern Region team proceeded to Kenema City, where they worked with the NDMA Eastern Region team to clean the Lambayama waterway along the Nyandeyama and Kpetema communities.
Finally, in Freetown, the Directorate of Communication is set to commence an open-space awareness campaign targeting communities across the western and eastern parts of the capital. The campaign will disseminate multi-hazard awareness messages focused on flooding, landslides, fire safety, and other disaster risks. Major waterways in Freetown, including Samba Gutter and clogged drainages along Lumley, have also been identified for cleaning.
Director General of the NDMA, John Vandy Rogers, commended the regional teams and GOAL SL for their continued commitment to disaster preparedness efforts across the country.
“As we approach the peak of the rainy season, our focus remains on prevention, preparedness, and community engagement. We urge citizens to work closely with the Agency in promoting safer communities and reducing disaster risks nationwide. I also thank GOAL SL for their continued support in strengthening our disaster management operations,” he said.
