More than 65% of disaster-related reports received by Sierra Leone’s National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) are now being made through Africell Sierra Leone’s 1199 toll-free line, according to the Agency.
The NDMA’s Director of Communication, Mohamed L. Bah, said the service had improved emergency communication by allowing members of the public to report incidents free of charge.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Bah said the toll-free line had become one of the Agency’s most important partnerships with the private sector.
He said that before the introduction and promotion of the 1199 service, many people had to travel to NDMA offices or search online for contact details to report disasters.
“Today, about 65% of the disaster-related calls we receive come through the Africell 1199 toll-free line. It has been a significant achievement for us as an agency because people can now report incidents quickly and free of charge,” he said.
Mr Bah said the service had not only improved the Agency’s emergency response but had also strengthened disaster prevention by enabling the public to report potential hazards before they developed into emergencies.
He said early reports had allowed the NDMA to intervene sooner, reduce risks and limit the impact of disasters on affected communities.
According to Mr Bah, the toll-free line has also improved communication between the Agency and the public by ensuring emergency information reaches responders more quickly, leading to better coordination during emergencies.
He also praised Africell Sierra Leone for supporting disaster awareness through Afri Radio by providing free airtime for programmes on disaster preparedness, prevention and risk reduction.
“Our partnership with Africell has contributed meaningfully to the work of the NDMA. From the toll-free line to the free radio airtime for public education, Africell has continued to support our efforts to protect lives and property. We look forward to strengthening this partnership even further,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mr Bah said the NDMA planned to establish a dedicated emergency call centre and expand the capacity of the 1199 service by increasing the number of SIM cards linked to the toll-free line.
He said he hoped Africell Sierra Leone would continue supporting the initiative as the Agency works to strengthen emergency reporting and disaster response across the country.
