By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma
The former presidential candidate of the opposition, All People’s Congress (APC) Party Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson- Kamara, has called on the government and all relevant authorities to launch an immediate, independent and a transparent investigation into the causes of the Shell building disaster in Freetown.
In a statement shared on his X ( formerly Twitter) handle, he stated that the people of Sierra Leone deserve to know the truth about the said disaster, noting that as a nation, we must ensure that such tragedy is never repeats itself.
“This disaster reflects deep structural issues in our society that need our urgent attention – issues that we can no longer ignore. A call for a robust Safe National Housing Policy, especially for urban housing, and, given the exponential growth and demand for housing amidst treacherous unfolding climate change conditions,’’ he said.
Dr. Samura Kamara added that, the tragedy which occurred at Shell New Road, Kissy, underscored the urgent need for stricter building regulations and enforcement across the nation thus pledging that as a political leader, he will advocate for robust building safety laws in the country.
“This is not just about preventing another building collapse — it is about safeguarding the lives of every Sierra Leonean,’’ Dr. Samura Kamara stressed, pointing out that housing represents not just shelter but a determinant of people’s health, economic security and safety.
Dr.Samura Kamara went on to state that as the nation turns into the future, we must ask ourselves some difficult questions, about how this is happening on the collapse of building disasters in the country, whether proper building standards where followed, among other questions.
“Were proper building standards followed? Was this preventable? The answers to these questions are critical, not only for the grieving families but for every citizen of this nation who trusts that their lives will not be put at risk due to negligence or inadequate regulations,’’ the former APC presidential candidate questioned.
The former presidential candidate, however, commended the country’s National Disaster Management (NDMA), the Freetown City Council and other players that played part during the disaster for their tireless and heroic efforts in working round the clock in hazardous conditions to retrieve lost ones which led to the rescue of 8 (eight) survivors.
“Your courage and dedication exemplify the indomitable spirit of Sierra Leone, and for that, we are eternally grateful. As a nation, we are extremely proud of you and your sacrifice,’’ he praised.
The erstwhile foreign minister said that he is reminded by a study of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) in 2022 which accurately observed that: “In Sierra Leone, the lack of access to adequate and affordable housing compromises the country’s pathways for more sustainable and inclusive urban development. Also, that IIED and partners have assisted the Sierra Leone government to design a national housing policy that tackles social inequalities. Are we paying attention to this study – its findings and recommendations?,’’ the Ex- foreign minister questioned.
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has said his government will launch a full-scale inquiry into the shell disaster, indicating that they will do all they can to prevent any recurrence of such a tragedy.
“We will launch a full-scale inquiry into this disaster and do all we can to prevent any recurrence of such a tragedy,’’ Bio wrote on X, a” revealing that the National Disaster Management Agency will lead on this effort with the full support of his government.
It could be recalled that on September 16th, 2024, a seven storey building at Shell New Road, East of Freetown, left 16 fatalities including children under the ages of five and ten, teenagers and adults.
