Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone, 17th August 2022 — The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) through its Directorate of Relief and Response has over the week visited villages and towns in Moyamba, Bonthe and Bo Districts where a population of 4,833 victims were affected by windstorm and fire incidents displacing 807 households, destroying 485 houses and 15 public structures.
The NDMA, through its regional officers, had conducted assessments to ascertain and verify the actual victims who suffered major fire outbreaks and windstorm incidents within this year that damaged their dwelling houses and properties worth thousands of Leones.
The provision of relief support to victims of disaster incidents is part of the government’s commitment to ameliorating their suffering and is also in line with NDMA’s mandate to not only mitigate the occurrence of disasters but to respond when they do occur.
Speaking at a well-attended ceremony at the Experimental School Compound in Bo City, NDMA’s Deputy Director of Relief and Response, Tomaye Morlu Brewah explained how they conducted a thorough assessment exercise in order to avoid omissions whilst ensuring that the relief items are provided to the actual beneficiaries/victims. He also mentioned that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints donated rice and Cooking Oil for the victims.
“NDMA conducted the assessment and the Government of Sierra Leone provided the relief items which include 807 (50kg) bags of rice, 807 gallons (10ltrs) of cooking oil, 2575 bundles of zinc, 339 packets of roofing nails, 95 packets of 4″ nails and 95 packets of 3″ nails.”
In his statement, the Bo North-State President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Mr Victor Korseh Hindowa stated that they are delighted to contribute some food items for the response in Bo District. “As a church, we are delighted to support as it is good in the image of God to support others”. He disclosed.
The Member of Parliament for Constituency 080 – Torwama, Hon. Rev. Ishmael Sama Sandy expressed appreciation to His Excellence President Julius Maada Bio for listening to the cry of the people and providing the relief items in order to ameliorate their suffering.
“The establishment of NDMA is part of Presidents Bio’s vision in order to reduce disasters and ameliorate the suffering of affected victims if it ever occurs. I have and will continue to advocate for everyone to abstain from bad environmental practices in order to minimize risks and disasters.” He added.
In Moyamba, a heart-touching vote of thanks was provided by one of the fire victims, Mrs Mamie Kemokai. She thanked the President, Government of Sierra Leone and NDMA for their swift intervention.
“I thank the Government and President for delivering on their promise. God will bless them in all their plans to move this country forward. On behalf of the victims, I extend my gratitude.” She stated.
Some of the dignitaries who attended the response ceremony in Bo City include the Resident Minister South, Hon. Mohamed K. Alie, Paramount Chief of Tikonko Chiefdom – Bo District, PC MP Hon. Kaingbai Joe Macavory, Bo District Chairman, Mr Joseph Munda Bindi amongst others while in Moyamba Town, dignitaries like the Honorable Member of Parliament for Constituency 098 – Hon. Dominic J. Lavalie Tshombe and Councilor John Kebbie graced the response ceremony.
Since its inception, the National Disaster Management Agency has responded to a total population of 26247, 5599 households, 1537 dwelling houses, 68 public facilities and 226 business owners who have been affected by fire, flooding and windstorm disasters across the country.
For More Enquiries:
Directorate of Communications
National Disaster Management Agency
Contact: +23278388946
Email: mohamedlbah@ndma.gov.sl
Website: www.ndma.gov.sl
