Freetown, the vibrant heart of Sierra Leone, is currently grappling with a serious threat hidden in plain sight. As the rains pour heavily upon our city, a grim danger looms – the collapse of buildings and perimeter wall fences, often constructed with substandard materials and poor craftsmanship. These structures have not only marred the aesthetic landscape of our communities but have also endangered the lives of our citizens.

The tragic incidents of multi-storey buildings collapsing have, rightly, drawn significant attention. However, a quieter, yet equally deadly threat remains largely overlooked: the deteriorating perimeter wall fences surrounding many properties in Freetown. These structures, often neglected, pose a severe hazard to our communities, particularly during the relentless rainy season.

The root of this problem lies in the outdated, poorly maintained fences that line our streets. Initially built with little regard for longevity, many of these walls are now crumbling under the pressure of time and weather. This deterioration is expedited by the usage of substandard materials and lack of regular maintenance. As these fences begin to give way, the risk of collapse becomes imminent, posing a dire threat to pedestrians, vehicles, and nearby structures.

This is not merely an architectural or aesthetic issue; it is a pressing matter of public safety. The potential for tragedy is high if immediate action is not taken. The recent past has shown us that these collapses can lead to injury, and even loss of life. It is imperative that we do not wait for another preventable disaster to occur before acting with urgency.

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I am calling upon the Mayor of Freetown, municipal authorities, construction regulatory bodies, and all citizens to recognize this peril and respond collectively. We need to conduct a comprehensive inspection of perimeter wall fences throughout the city. Identifying those at risk of failure will be the first step in safeguarding our communities.

Residents are encouraged to become whistleblowers of safety, not bystanders to danger. Report any wall fence that appears to be in a dilapidated state to municipal authorities. Your vigilance can save lives. Engineers and builders must be enlisted to evaluate the structural integrity of these walls and provide solutions to enhance their stability.

In addition, it is crucial to enforce strict compliance to building codes and standards, ensuring that all construction in Freetown meets the necessary safety requirements. Authorities should facilitate workshops and seminars to educate property owners on how to maintain their perimeter boundaries effectively.

Together, we can transform our communities into safer spaces for all. If we take this call to action seriously, we can prevent future tragedies and build a resilient Freetown capable of withstanding the challenges posed by the rains. Let us commit to creating a city where safety is a shared responsibility, and every wall stands strong against the tests of time and nature.