By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), in partnership with the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), has ordered Leoneco Gas Company to cease all activities related to the unauthorized construction of a fuel station located at 165 Regent Road, Malama, Lumley, Freetown.
During a risk assessment conducted on September 24, 2025, it became evident that the project was advancing without the necessary approval from the NPRA. The assessment also highlighted the site’s alarming proximity to a primary school, raising significant safety concerns for students, staff, and local residents.
The NPRA has emphasized the urgency of halting construction, asserting that “the development of a fuel station without prior clearance is a violation of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority Act and poses serious risks to public safety.” Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Brima Sesay, Director General of the NDMA, reiterated the Agency’s commitment to disaster prevention, stating, “The safety of our communities is non-negotiable. No high-risk project, particularly a fuel station, should proceed without full regulatory approval and consideration of disaster risk.”
The NDMA further clarified that constructing fuel stations is a regulated process that necessitates prior site inspections, environmental and safety clearances, and appropriate licensing. Ignoring these protocols compromises disaster risk reduction efforts and endangers local communities.
Both the NDMA and NPRA have pledged to monitor the construction site closely to ensure adherence to national regulations, prioritizing public safety and disaster risk management.
Concerns are also mounting regarding the concentration of fuel stations in specific areas. Critics have pointed to the newly opened JMan fuel station on Adelaide Street, situated near Kroo Town Road and directly across from the existing Leoneco fuel station. This has raised questions about the legality and rationale behind the proliferation of fuel stations in close proximity.
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