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Health Alert Sierra Leone has issued a strong statement condemning the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, blaming it for what it describes as the frequent collapse of buildings in Freetown.
According to the group, the recurring incidents in the capital are linked to alleged negligence, weak regulatory enforcement, and failure by the Ministry to effectively develop and implement policies governing the construction of high-rise buildings. Health Alert also accused the Ministry of failing to properly monitor construction activities and the issuance of building permits to what it described as unqualified contractors.
The organisation claimed that building permits are issued by the Ministry to individuals seeking to construct houses across the country. However, it alleged that due to inadequate due diligence, some applicants and so-called contractors without professional qualifications are being granted approval to undertake construction projects.
Health Alert further expressed concern over what it described as the use of substandard materials and poor construction practices by some contractors, which it said has contributed to the collapse of buildings and the loss of lives of innocent citizens, including occupants and passers-by.
The group also alleged that some officials within the Ministry may be colluding with unqualified contractors in the issuance of permits, claims which it said require urgent investigation by the appropriate authorities.
It further raised concerns about the construction of buildings in disaster-prone areas, including waterways, drains, and gutters within Freetown, alleging that such activities continue despite public outcry and warnings about environmental risks.
Health Alert noted that these practices have endangered the lives of residents and business operators who occupy such structures for commercial and residential purposes.
Against this background, the organisation is calling on Government, Parliament, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and the Land Commission to launch a thorough investigation into the processes for issuing building permits and the broader regulatory framework governing construction activities.
It also recommended stricter enforcement measures, including the requirement for all prospective developers to engage certified professional engineers approved by relevant authorities. It further proposed that failure to comply should result in a ban on construction activities and possible prosecution of offenders and property owners.
Meanwhile, Health Alert issued an apology for an earlier reference in which it mistakenly named the Ministry of Works instead of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning.
