Vice President Jalloh Vows to Demolish Buildings Posing Disaster Risks Following Kissy Building Collapse

Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has pledged to take decisive action against buildings that pose potential disaster risks, including the demolition of structurally unsafe structures. This statement was made during his visit to the tragic scene of the recent building collapse at Kissy, Freetown, which resulted in multiple casualties.

In his address, Dr. Jalloh outlined the government's plans to empower the Ministry of Lands with increased authority to ensure enforcement and compliance with building regulations, following a spate of building collapses. He highlighted that the government will undertake a thorough investigation of the recent collapses to prevent further tragedies and to enforce stricter adherence to structural design codes. 

On behalf of President Julius Maada Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone, the Vice President expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and commended the efforts of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), security forces, and local volunteers for their critical roles in the ongoing search and rescue operations.

Dr. Jalloh also pledged additional government resources and materials to ensure that recovery efforts continue in full force until all individuals trapped in the rubble are accounted for. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of building practices in Sierra Leone, stating that the government is committed to revising and enforcing building codes that have been absent for decades.

Following his visit to the disaster site, the Vice President visited survivors receiving treatment at the Rokupa Government Hospital, ensuring that they are given the best possible medical care. Dr. Jalloh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the families of the victims and the community during this difficult period.

The Director General of the NDMA, Retired Lieutenant General Brima Bureh Sesay, reported that 16 individuals had been pulled from the collapsed building, with 7 survivors and 9 casualties. Several of the survivors were transferred to Rokupa Government Hospital, while those requiring more advanced medical attention were moved to Choithram Memorial Hospital.

Community volunteer Michael Joseph Kanu briefed the Vice President on the local response efforts, explaining how he mobilized youths from the area to assist in the search and rescue operation immediately after the collapse occurred.

The Vice President’s visit and the government's pledged actions reflect a strong resolve to address the underlying causes of the recent building collapses and to enforce stronger regulations to protect public safety moving forward.