By Amin Kef Sesay – 18 August 2019
The Honourable Member of Parliament for constituency 115 Honourable Alpha Amadu Bah on 15th August 2019, called on humanitarian organizations and factories to put all hands-on-deck to help the flood victims.
Speaking to this medium, the Honourable Member of Parliament of Constituency 115, Hon. Alpha Bah, disclosed that the heavy downpour led to 4 confirmed deaths and loss of properties worth millions of Leones within the Wellington community, which he said is very pathetic and called on factories within the Wellington community to come to their aid as people in his constituency are challenged.
He called on the government to put measures in place to repatriate the people living in disaster prone areas, and further called for alternatives and safe settlements to be provided for them.
He said that one of the major reasons leading to the flood was as a result of poor drainage system, and called on the authorities responsible to create proper drainage system for the free flow of water.
He noted that it is the responsibility of government to ensure that those living in disaster prone areas are relocated to safer places. He also called on the Freetown City Council and the central government to forge genuine collaboration to improve on the flood mitigation project in order to protect citizens from further floods not only within the Wellington community, but in the country as a whole.
He encouraged members of his constituency, to move to safer locations where their lives will be protected.
During his visit to the area, President Bio told the flood victims and their family members that he came to them with a heavy heart because of the devastation the flood had caused to lives. He said that as President, he has been very sad over the level of destruction caused by the flooding of areas across the country. President Bio also said that flooding has been worse because over the years people have built in areas without any proper environmental planning. He warned that state authorities will continue to ensure that people who erect structures or live in areas that are prone to natural disasters are relocated.
Whilst he commended state institutions, development partners and NGOs for their support to flood victims, President Bio also encouraged young people in flood-prone areas to continue their vigilance and support in helping victims. He prayed for those who have lost their lives and assured the victims that government and its partners will continue to provide support to them. President Bio also admonished the audience that they should listen to the instructions of authorities whenever they are advised for their safety.
In both Wellington and Tombo, President Bio visited flood- affected areas and made separate donations to the flood victims. In total, President Bio donated 300 bags of rice, 1000 blankets, 200 mosquito nets, bales of clothes and dozens of buckets.
