By: Yusuf Ibrahim Kamara
A multi-agency operation has resulted in the demolition of a building under construction near the Orugu Bridge in Jui after authorities determined that the structure posed significant risks to public safety, critical infrastructure and the surrounding environment.
The operation, conducted on Tuesday, October 6, brought together the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Office of National Security (ONS), Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and other relevant government institutions following a directive from the National Security Council Coordinating Group (NSCCG).
The decision followed concerns over the location and potential impact of the structure, which was situated in close proximity to the Orugu Bridge and a waterway.
The NSCCG, regarded as the second-highest forum for the consideration and determination of national security matters in Sierra Leone, had earlier directed that a technical working group be established to assess the situation and recommend appropriate action.
The NDMA was mandated to lead the technical working group, which brought together representatives from several institutions, including the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Road Maintenance Fund Administration (RMFA), Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), RSLAF, SLP and other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Following a technical assessment and structural inspection, the team identified several safety concerns associated with the building. Particular attention was drawn to its proximity to the bridge and waterway, with authorities warning that the structure could potentially endanger residents, motorists, pedestrians and other road users while also creating risks for critical national infrastructure.
Speaking on the intervention, NDMA Director General John Vandy Rogers said the operation demonstrated the importance of coordinated government action in identifying hazards before they develop into disasters.
“We cannot afford to wait for a disaster to occur before taking action. Where technical assessments identify serious risks to lives, property or critical infrastructure, the responsible institutions must act.”
According to DG Rogers, the demolition reflects the collective commitment of the participating institutions to proactive disaster risk reduction, public safety and the protection of essential infrastructure.
At the demolition site, NDMA Deputy Director General Sulaiman B. Sowa explained that the decision was based on the findings of the technical assessment and was primarily intended to prevent a potential disaster.
He said the Agency has a responsibility to intervene whenever significant hazards are identified, stressing that addressing risks at an early stage remains critical to preventing loss of life and damage to property.
“This exercise is about addressing the risk before it develops into a more serious emergency,” DDG Sowa stated.
The demolition was carried out as a coordinated operation involving both security and technical institutions. The collaboration was aimed at ensuring that the exercise was conducted in a safe, controlled and orderly manner.
Meanwhile, NDMA Director of Relief and Response Sinneh Mansaray used the occasion to call for stronger compliance with building regulations, construction standards and approval procedures.
He urged developers, engineers and property owners to ensure that the necessary approvals and technical requirements are obtained and respected before and throughout the construction process.
Authorities further cautioned members of the public against undertaking construction activities in prohibited, environmentally sensitive or high-risk locations, particularly areas where buildings could obstruct waterways or compromise the safety of roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.
The NDMA stressed that construction activities in prohibited or high-risk areas can expose communities and property to serious danger and may result in enforcement action when violations are established.
The Orugu Bridge intervention therefore serves as another reminder of the growing need for responsible construction practices and stronger adherence to planning and safety regulations across the country.
For the NDMA and its partner institutions, the operation underscores the importance of identifying and addressing potential hazards before they result in casualties, infrastructure damage or wider emergencies.
The Agency has reaffirmed its commitment to working with security institutions, technical agencies and other government stakeholders to strengthen disaster prevention and protect lives, property and critical national infrastructure across Sierra Leone.