By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Freetown City Council (FCC) has called on residents, especially those who are living in communities prone to flooding to remain alert as heavy rains have been predicted over the next three days. Residents living in lowlands and flood plains along the coast have been advised to be vigilant especially at night as they have an increased risk of flooding and other environmental disasters.
According to the FCC, individuals must report a disaster or contact the Office of National Security (ONS) on 076 612775.
It was learnt that the FCC, with support from several partners and the central Government, will continue to collaborate with the RSLAF to implement the 2020 Flood Mitigation exercise, as they have done over the last month in 52 communities across Freetown.
According to the FCC, their interventions, clearing of blocked culverts, drainages and silted gutters and waterways help reduce incidences of flooding in certain vulnerable communities. However, they revealed that the current practice of building along waterways and in flood plains in parts of the city leave many residents vulnerable. It was stated that FCC’s flood mitigation activities cannot effectively address this land use planning challenge.
The FCC assured that the health and well-being of all Freetonians is of paramount concern to them.
