NDMA Supports Storm-Affected Soldiers With Roofing Materials at Teko Barracks in Makeni

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has donated 90 bundles of 12-foot corrugated roofing sheets and assorted nails to the 4th Infantry Brigade at Teko Barracks in Makeni City following a devastating windstorm incident that ripped off the roofs of several military quarters leaving soldiers and their families displaced.

The donation targeted a total of 181 individuals across 36 households and forms part of the Agency’s emergency response to the military personnel and their families affected by the storm.
During the official handover ceremony, NDMA’s Chief of Operations, Kai Banya, conveyed a message of solidarity to the military command. He expressed deep empathy on behalf of the Agency and the Government, noting that the intervention demonstrates the Government’s concern for those affected by disasters.

Mr. Banya said the response also reflects the commitment of the President and Vice President, who remain central to the country’s disaster management efforts.

He described the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) as an indispensable partner in national disaster management, particularly in emergency response and search and rescue operations.

“The NDMA relies heavily on the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces’ expertise and heavy equipment for its critical search and rescue and mitigation interventions. We are pleased that the RSLAF has been there with us in times of need,” he stated.

Mr. Banya emphasised that the intervention was a testament to the strong and longstanding partnership between the NDMA and RSLAF. He noted that the collaboration extends beyond field operations to include capacity building through specialised training and lectures provided by the NDMA upon invitation at the Horton Academy in Freetown.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Brigade Commander, 4th Infantry Brigade, the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Tamba Senesie, commended the NDMA for its timely intervention.

He said the NDMA’s Northern Region Office acted swiftly to assess the extent of the damage immediately after the windstorm struck the barracks, paving the way for the emergency assistance.

Lieutenant Colonel Senesie acknowledged that national resources are often stretched due to the scale and frequency of disasters across the country. However, he commended the NDMA for continually stretching its available resources to support people and communities affected by disasters.

He expressed appreciation to the Agency for supporting the affected troops and their families, while reaffirming the importance of strengthening the collaborative partnership between the RSLAF and NDMA in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.