One of the leading private commercial banks in Sierra Leone, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has donated medical supplies of over a hundred million Leones to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) for victims of the November 5 Wellington Fire Disaster. At a colorful donation ceremony at NDMA’s Head Office on Wednesday 15th December 2021, GTBank’s Managing Director, Adekunle Adebiyi said that the bank started operations in 2002 in Sierra Leone and that it is here to stay. “We are grateful for the environment we are working in. Every year we give back to society as part of our corporate social responsibility,” he said and added that the Wellington disaster came as a shock to them and that they are deeply saddened and expressed condolences to the bereaved families and the government. The Managing Director commended the effort of other corporate bodies to which GTBank is adding to the pack.
The donated items, he said are part of the relief process, and hopes they will help assist rehabilitate the victims.
Adebiyi praised the level of accountability demonstrated by the Agency and added that it’s a good thing that everything is articulated. He said they will continue to look out for projects and assistance that will help protect the environment.
NDMA’s Director-General, Lt. Gen. (Retired) Brima Sesay appreciated GTBank for the support, which is said is not only helping the victims but the government as well.
The Agency, he said engages in disaster risk reduction, disaster management, and mitigating disaster. “The event of November 5 was a dark chapter in the history of the country. The NDMA is responsible for the overall coordination of the sad event and the Health Ministry is responsible for the bio-clinical aspect,” he said.
So far, the Director-General revealed that they have recorded 151 deaths, 27 people admitted and four of which are in a critical state. Most of those admitted, he said have been treated and discharged. Sesay said they are faced with the challenge of identifying the families of some of the dead.
“We are now stressing on mitigation activity to prevent future recurrence,” he noted and went on to appreciate the support from GTBank to the families of the victims and the survivors. “We are now mobilizing supports to give to the families as some of those who suffered the incident are breadwinners. The donated items will be used for the intended purpose,” he assured.
