The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has initiated an open space campaign to disseminate essential disaster risk information to vulnerable communities in the Western Urban and Rural Areas. This initiative aims to strengthen community resilience by raising awareness and providing critical information on disaster risk management.

The campaign started with the NDMA team visiting several key locations, including Lumley Park, Lumley Market, Funkai Market, Metchem Junction, and Bottom Mango. These areas were selected due to their high population density and identification as risk zones susceptible to flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall.

At Lumley Park, NDMA’s Deputy Director of Communications, Philomina I. Turay, emphasized that the open space campaign is a strategic approach to directly engage with community members in their environments. She noted that this initiative allows the NDMA to effectively share vital information on flood preparedness, safety measures, and emergency response strategies.

Mrs. Turay urged residents to refrain from constructing structures on waterways, discarding waste in these areas, and excavating mud from hillsides for building purposes, as these actions contribute to slope collapses and pose significant hazards. She concluded by appealing to her audience to comply with government environmental regulations to safeguard lives and property.

Musa Nallo, head of the Bike Riders at Metchem, expressed gratitude to the NDMA for launching this initiative. He highlighted the importance of open space campaigns, particularly during the rainy season, stating that floods pose a significant threat to their lives and property. He emphasized the significance of the NDMA’s presence in educating the community to mitigate potential impacts.

Residents in other locations collectively urged the government to resume the national cleaning exercises previously conducted, emphasizing that such efforts would significantly help prevent flooding. They also called on road construction companies to build wider drainage systems capable of accommodating stormwater.

Through this initiative, the NDMA seeks to address the long-term goal of building resilient communities in line with its mandate. This reinforces the agency’s commitment to risk management and community engagement to protect lives, property, and livelihoods in Sierra Leone.

The NDMA team will continue its open space campaign in the East End of Freetown, starting from PZ and moving through Up Gun, Shell, Low Cost, Wellington, and concluding in Kalaba Town. These areas, like those in the Western Area Urban, are prone to severe flooding, and the campaign seeks to play a critical role in equipping residents with the knowledge and tools needed to protect themselves and their properties during the rainy season.

Credit – Directorate of Communications, National Disaster Management Agency