The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has assessed a two-storey building located at 27 Garrison Street in Freetown’s Central Business District.

The building, owned by Dr. Onodi William, who resides in Denmark, has partially collapsed, with deep cracks posing a serious threat to the safety of those inside and people passing by.

The building houses several businesses, including a stationery shop, a cafe, three stores, and twelve smaller shops. Due to the building’s unstable condition, the NDMA immediately ordered everyone to vacate the premises to prevent any harm or damage.

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Maada Salia, NDMA’s Director of Risk Reduction and Preparedness, spoke on-site and urged business owners and tenants to prioritize their safety. He warned that the building could collapse at any time, making it too dangerous to remain inside.

Mohamed L. Bah, NDMA’s Director of Communications, also spoke, emphasizing the agency’s dedication to proactive disaster management and encouraging everyone to follow the evacuation orders to prevent any injuries.

Sallieu Kargbo, a shop owner and caretaker of the building, expressed thanks for the NDMA’s quick action and assured that he and the other business owners would follow the evacuation instructions.

Following the assessment, the NDMA is collaborating with the Freetown City Council (FCC) and other authorities to determine the next steps, which could include demolishing the building or securing it to avoid further danger.

The NDMA also encourages property owners and landlords across Freetown to regularly inspect their buildings to ensure safety standards are met. The agency remains committed to protecting lives and property and urges the public to report unsafe buildings for early intervention.