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Sierra Leone’s president, Julius Maada Bio has stated that years of poor urban planning and mismanagement of the city’s resources are an enormous contributor to flooding across Freetown.
The President made this statement on Twitter in response to yesterday, August 28 flash floods and landslide in some communities in the Western Area due to torrential rains. Seven people have been confirmed dead so far as a result of the disaster.
“I wish to extend my sincere condolence to the families and friends of those who lost their lives during today’s torrential rainfall. Flooding has been reported in several parts of Freetown, and the situation has been alarming,” the President Bio stated.
He noted that he was closely monitoring the situation since the morning hours and liaised with the management of the National Disaster Management Agency to keep citizens safe during the heavy rainfall.
“The heavy downpour experienced this August points to the impact and consequence of global warming and climate change. But years of poor urban planning and mismanagement of the city’s resources are an enormous contributor to flooding across Freetown,” Bio noted.
The President however assured that his team will continue to reach out to the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr to proffer solutions to keep citizens safe during the rainy season.
He went on to thank all the government personnel and community workers that are working tirelessly to assist the affected communities, adding that his government will double their efforts for flood mitigating measures during the rainy season.
President Bio concluded by sending prayer to all those affected by the heavy downpour, and advised citizens to stay safe in their houses and on the roads as they start their week.
