The devastating fire incident in Kroo Bay occurred on Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 leaving a trail of destruction in the Freetown suburb. This resulted in the destruction of homes and the displacement of 317 residents, fortunately with no loss of life. The fire’s origin was traced back to a meter that became overloaded due to the connection of various households, creating excessive pressure within the meter and ultimately leading to the ignition. (Photo: Mayor Aki-Sawyerr visits Kroo Bay).

In response to this tragic event, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) took the lead in coordinating relief efforts, with invaluable support from FCC’s Environmental Management Committee, the FCC Disaster Management Team, Sierra Leone Red Cross, Caritas, Orange Sierra Leone/Foundation, Mirror for Earth Energy Rebalancing (MEER), Life for Africa Mothers, United Nation International Commission Fund (UNICEF), and various other organizations, all working together to provide assistance to the affected families.

The Freetown City Council is pleased to have made progress in developing a neighbourhood upgrading framework for the informal settlements, with the hope of enhancing living conditions and disaster preparedness. The Council appeals for the expedition of the devolution of the building permit issuance authority to the Council. This change will enable better land use planning and disaster prevention, ensuring a safer and more resilient community.

#WeNeedLandPlanning

#BuildingPermitRegime

#TransformFreetown

Courtesy: Office of the Mayor Communications