By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, during the visit at Kpetema Village
In response to a devastating fire that displaced dozens of families, Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, visited Kpetema Village in Bumpe Ngao Chiefdom on Sunday, March 30, 2025, to assess the damage and assure victims of immediate government intervention.
Dr. Jalloh, who also chairs the National Disaster Management Agency’s (NDMA) National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, led a high-level delegation comprising government ministers, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, and NDMA officials from the Southern Region. The visit was facilitated by Resident Minister South, Chief John Abu.
Touring the disaster-stricken area, Dr. Jalloh observed the extent of the destruction and engaged with community members and local authorities. Paramount Chief-elect Alfred Sovula Gandoma expressed gratitude for the NDMA’s swift response and emphasized the urgent need for additional aid, including corrugated iron sheets for rebuilding homes. He also highlighted the loss of agricultural seedlings, school materials, and microcredit funds, underscoring the long-term economic impact of the fire.
Maada Martin Koroma, NDMA’s Senior Disaster Officer for the South, provided an assessment of the damage, revealing that 320 individuals—including pregnant women, lactating mothers, children, and a disabled person—were affected. The fire destroyed 48 structures, displacing 94 households. Koroma assured that NDMA had already compiled a detailed report and shared it with relevant partners to facilitate relief efforts.
Addressing the community, Vice President Jalloh conveyed President Julius Maada Bio’s heartfelt sympathies and reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the victims. He pledged to coordinate with key ministries, agencies, and private sector stakeholders to expedite assistance.
As part of immediate relief measures, Dr. Jalloh confirmed that NDMA would spearhead urgent aid efforts, while the Ministry of Agriculture would assess and replace lost seedlings. Additionally, he personally committed to supplying school materials for affected children, which will be delivered through the Minister of Lands and Country Planning.
The Vice President also commended all organizations and individuals who have contributed to relief efforts and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to protecting the welfare of all Sierra Leoneans. He urged proactive measures to prevent similar disasters in the future and called for collective efforts to restore Kpetema Village.
As recovery efforts continue, the government remains steadfast in ensuring that affected residents receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives and communities.
