By Mohamed Kamara
In the wake of recent building collapses that resulted in numerous fatalities and the destruction of properties, citizens are expressing deep sympathy for the victims’ families and are calling for accountability. Many argue that it is time to move beyond political blame games and focus on those responsible for monitoring construction practices, namely the building inspectors.
Civil society activist Sulaiman Suntus Kamara, a former independent candidate in the central district of the Western Area, emphasized that the core issue is not a lack of knowledge about democratic processes, but rather a failure to uphold the responsibilities that democracy demands. “Our problem is not the lack of knowledge of democracy but the unwillingness to pay the price it requires,” Kamara stated. He highlighted the need for “men of action, women of courage, and a resilient youth force” to ensure government functions are executed effectively.
Mr. Kamara stressed that building inspectors have the authority to condemn unsafe structures and order their evacuation. They can also involve the police if property owners fail to comply. Furthermore, building inspectors are supposed to assess ongoing construction projects to ensure the use of proper materials and adherence to safety standards. However, Kamara accused some inspectors of neglecting their duties, often using violations as an opportunity to solicit bribes in exchange for turning a blind eye.
“While we should pray for the victims, we must also acknowledge that more tragedies are likely to occur if this issue is not addressed,” Kamara warned. He called for a concerted effort to reform the system and hold those accountable for neglecting their roles, thereby preventing future disasters and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
The recent incidents have sparked a national dialogue on building safety regulations and the effectiveness of the institutions tasked with enforcing them. Many are now calling for stricter oversight, transparency, and an end to the alleged corruption that has compromised public safety.
