By Donstance Koroma
Since its establishment, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has grappled with a range of challenges that continue to hamper its ability to deliver effective disaster risk reduction and response. Limited funding, weak preparedness, and delayed response capabilities have significantly constrained the agency’s output, particularly in high-risk areas.
A recent review of the National Flood Mitigation and Prevention Strategy 2024 and a vulnerability assessment identified Samba Gutter in the Western Area as a critical flood-prone zone. However, the strategy aimed at cleaning major roads through the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) and constructing vital storm drainage infrastructure has seen little to no implementation.
According to the Supreme Audit Institution, no concrete action has been taken to preserve or upgrade the drainage systems around Samba Gutter, despite the known risk. NDMA, though fully aware of the severity of the issue, has cited inadequate funding as a major barrier to executing key interventions.
In an effort to fill the gap, NDMA often partners with both international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as the Freetown City Council (FCC). However, specific resources dedicated to the drainage needs of the Samba Gutter area have not been secured.
An Environmental Officer at the FCC noted that local community stakeholders have been involved in limited clearing of the drainage pathways. While these grassroots efforts are commendable, they remain insufficient to mitigate or prevent frequent flooding, largely due to poor waste management, inadequate infrastructure, and the intensifying rainfall associated with climate change.
The Performance Audit on Disaster Risk Reduction Activities (2021–2023) praised the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society (SLRCS) for its crucial support. The report noted that SLRCS volunteers often embedded in disaster-prone communities are typically the first responders during emergencies.
SLRCS mostly has volunteers within disaster-prone communities. These volunteers are often the first responders when a disaster strikes, the report stated.
The NDMA confirmed its continued collaboration with the FCC in what it describes as Level One Disaster Interventions, such as flooding and fire outbreaks within the Freetown municipality. In these cases, the Mayor of Freetown plays a leadership role in managing incidents, collecting data, and coordinating the distribution of relief items.
Despite this cooperation, many UN agencies and international NGOs (INGOs) continue to implement Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and response activities independently. NDMA often assumes a supervisory role, overseeing activities while INGOs retain full control over financial management and implementation.
INGOs have explained that their internal financial policies require them to directly manage projects. However, they occasionally support NDMA by offering technical expertise, including training for agency staff and volunteers in disaster-prone communities.
Additionally, NDMA engages in inter-pillar coordination meetings with FCC during disaster events, where stakeholders offer suggestions and strategies to improve disaster management.
While collaboration exists, the lack of centralized coordination, sustainable funding, and infrastructure investment continues to undermine national disaster response efforts. As the country enters another unpredictable rainy season, the need for urgent, coordinated, and well-funded disaster risk reduction strategies is more pressing than ever.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,28th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
