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The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, while expressing deep sorrow following the collapse of a newly completed three-story residential building in Pentagon Kamayama, she urged authorities on strategic building regulatory reforms.
The incident, which hit the Lumley community on Sunday, 1st June, 2025, has raised urgent concerns about building safety and regulatory practices within the city, and the country at large.
In her statement, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr affirmed the ongoing rescue efforts at the site, where two contractors were reportedly trapped under the rubble. “Our prayers are with the two contractors that we understand are still trapped under the rubble. We hope that they will be rescued soon,” she said.
The Mayor emphasized the critical need for Sierra Leone to implement stringent building regulations and an effective permitting system. Currently, these responsibilities lie with the Ministry of Lands rather than local councils, which is contrary to global best practices.
“It is imperative that Sierra Leone urgently institutes building regulations, an effective building permitting regime, and land use planning,” Aki-Sawyerr stated.
She further asserted the importance of addressing the factors that contribute to repeated building collapses in the city. “We owe it to our residents to ensure that the factors that lead to these repeated building collapses are addressed and that the risks are reduced,” she added.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr called for immediate action from the central government, stating, “Action by the central government is required now. The local councils are ready to take up these functions in the best interests of our residents.”
The tragic incident has sparked a renewed conversation about building safety and the need for comprehensive regulatory reform in Sierra Leone.
