By George M.O Williams
Freetown, June 4, 2026 – The Sierra Leone Institute of Architects (SLIA) and the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers (SLIE) have condemned the recent collapse of a five‑storey building on Kissy Road, describing it as an avoidable tragedy caused by poor supervision, disregard for building standards, and weak enforcement of construction laws.
SLIA President Architect Manilius R.O. Garber said the contractor must be held accountable, stressing that the collapse reflected “quack construction” and a lack of professional oversight. He questioned the role of authorities responsible for issuing permits and inspections, noting that the Freetown Building Code of 1960 was ignored.
SLIA Secretary‑General Abel T. Onomake highlighted structural deficiencies, including reinforcement rods spaced far beyond the recommended standards and the use of oversized aggregates that compromised the concrete’s strength. “The quality of the construction was appalling. The building was a disaster waiting to happen,” he said, warning that similar risks exist in many buildings nationwide.
SLIE President Engineer Festus Oba Agwu‑Jones disclosed that a revised national building code is under review before submission to Parliament. He urged stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Works and professional bodies to improve compliance and enforcement.
“We are flouting the laws that guide the issuance of building permits. Collaboration with the Ministry should be strengthened to address these challenges,” he emphasized.
In a joint statement, the two institutions condemned the recurring collapse of buildings in Freetown and beyond, attributing the trend to persistent failures in professional oversight. They revealed that no certified architectural or engineering drawings were presented for the Kissy Road structure, calling this a clear violation of safety standards.
The statement warned that many construction projects across Sierra Leone proceed without valid permits, mandatory inspections, or certified drawings signed by registered professionals. “This disregard for professional accountability endangers lives, wastes public resources, and erodes confidence in the built environment,” it read.
The professional bodies urged the Government to immediately halt construction on sites lacking proper permits, conduct urgent structural audits of unsafe buildings, and strictly enforce existing laws. They stressed that the continued loss of life and property from collapses is unacceptable and preventable if building codes are properly implemented.