On Tuesday, 6th August 2024, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) received distress calls from community members reporting a two-story building in a precarious state of collapse on Priscilla Street, Freetown.
Responding swiftly, a team led by NDMA’s Western Region Coordinator, Gerald King, visited the site to conduct a thorough vulnerability risk assessment. Their findings revealed alarming signs of structural weakness in the building owned by Dudley Cowan. The structure exhibited significant cracks and detaching filaments. Beams, extending from the foundation to the four corners of the building revealed lateral structural weaknesses. These issues have severely compromised the building’s posture, posing an imminent risk of structural collapse.
However, the assessment highlighted the grave danger this situation presented, not only to the occupants but also to the surrounding community. In the event of a collapse, a nearby community bridge would be significantly impacted, potentially leading to a critical cut-off.
During the vulnerability risk assessment, the building’s occupants, comprising two families and the house owner, voluntarily evacuated the premises. All access points to the building and the bridge were immediately cordoned off to prevent any further risk to public safety.
The current condition of the building is critical, necessitating immediate action to safeguard lives and prevent additional property damage. A coordinated effort involving the NDMA and other stakeholders has been activated to facilitate a controlled demolition of the building, thereby averting an uncontrolled collapse.
This assessment underscores the urgent need for prompt intervention to mitigate the risks posed by the structurally compromised building and to ensure the safety and well-being of the Freetown community.
