By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has provided emergency relief materials to the 4th Infantry Brigade at Teko Barracks in Makeni City following a devastating windstorm that damaged several military quarters and displaced soldiers and their families.
The Agency donated 90 bundles of 12-foot corrugated roofing sheets, along with assorted nails, to support the rehabilitation of homes affected by the storm. The intervention is expected to benefit 181 people across 36 households.
The donation forms part of the NDMA’s emergency response to communities and institutions affected by disasters across the country, with particular attention to restoring basic shelter and supporting affected families.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony, NDMA Chief of Operations, Kai Banya, expressed solidarity with the military command and the affected families, saying the intervention demonstrated the Government’s concern for citizens impacted by disasters.
Mr. Banya said the response also reflected the commitment of the President and Vice President to strengthening disaster management and supporting affected populations.
He described the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) as a critical partner in the country’s disaster management efforts, particularly in emergency response, search and rescue operations and disaster mitigation.
“The NDMA relies heavily on the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces’ expertise and heavy equipment for its critical search and rescue and mitigation interventions. We are pleased that the RSLAF has been there with us in times of need,” he stated.
According to Mr. Banya, the relationship between the NDMA and RSLAF extends beyond emergency operations to include capacity building and specialised training. He noted that the NDMA also provides lectures and technical training at the Horton Academy in Freetown upon invitation.
Receiving the relief items on behalf of the Brigade Commander, 4th Infantry Brigade, Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tamba Senesie commended the NDMA for responding promptly to the situation.
He said the NDMA’s Northern Region Office conducted an assessment shortly after the windstorm struck the barracks, helping to establish the extent of the damage and facilitate the emergency intervention.
Lieutenant Colonel Senesie acknowledged the pressure on national resources resulting from the increasing scale and frequency of disasters across Sierra Leone. However, he praised the NDMA for continuing to make available resources stretch to support affected individuals and communities.
He expressed appreciation for the assistance provided to the affected troops and their families, while calling for continued collaboration between the RSLAF and NDMA in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
The intervention highlights the importance of coordinated disaster management efforts, particularly as vulnerable communities and institutions continue to face the effects of severe weather events.
For the affected families at Teko Barracks, the roofing materials are expected to provide much-needed support towards restoring their homes and helping them recover from the impact of the windstorm.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 26th August 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
