In alignment with its Western Area Flood Mitigation Strategy, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), supported by Goal Sierra Leone, on Thursday 4th July 2024, launched a two-day community engagement initiative on risk management in the Mabella Community.

This effort is part of NDMA’s ongoing mission to improve disaster risk communication and preparedness.

The engagement targeted fifty community volunteers, including members of the Community Disaster Management Committee (CDMC) and other stakeholders. The CDMC is an auxiliary body that aids NDMA’s disaster prevention activities at the community level.

The engagement focused on providing community leaders with the knowledge needed to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. It covered key areas such as disaster risk management, disaster preparedness, and enhancing community resilience during the rainy season. Mabella and Kroo Bay are among Freetown’s most vulnerable communities, facing significant risks from flooding, fire outbreaks, and other disasters.

Mohammed L. Bah, NMDA’s Director of Communications, highlighted the need for community action and adherence to safety measures. He stressed the importance of building resilience through disaster preparedness and learning from past experiences. Mr. Bah also encouraged community members to deepen their commitment and stewardship towards their community.

Philomena I. Turay, Deputy Director of Communications at NDMA, underscored the importance of community involvement in safeguarding their localities. She emphasized that collective efforts and taking responsibility are essential for ensuring community resilience to disasters, thereby protecting lives and properties.

Mr. Ibrahim Bangura, Chairman of the Council of Elders in Mabella, provided a historical overview of the community, tracing its origins back to 1977. He pointed out that local youths often contribute to disasters by banking the sea and clogging drainages with garbage, which leads to flooding when it rains. He urged the youth to adopt more responsible behaviors to mitigate these issues.

Daniel Bob Jones, National Chairman of the CDMC, expressed gratitude to NDMA for organizing the engagement. He emphasized the need for community members to take responsibility and show commitment to disaster preparedness. He also highlighted the importance of stakeholder involvement, including support for youth, government, and development partners’ initiatives.

Mr. Jones stressed the necessity of unity among community members to build a safe and resilient environment free from disasters. The engagement concluded with positive feedback from participants, who appreciated the lessons learned and expressed their commitment to applying the knowledge gained to enhance their community’s resilience to disasters.

This initiative by the NDMA signifies a continued commitment to empowering flood-prone communities in disaster risk management and preparedness, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for all residents.