Freetown, Sierra Leone — Civil society group Health Alert has condemned the Ministry of Works, accusing it of negligence and corruption in the wake of frequent building collapses across the capital.
According to Health Alert, the Ministry has failed to develop and enforce policies regulating the construction of multi‑storey buildings, while issuing permits to unqualified contractors and house owners. The organization alleges that many of these “so‑called contractors” use fake or substandard materials, putting lives at risk.
“This is not the first time Freetown has witnessed deadly building collapses,” Health Alert noted, recalling past incidents that claimed the lives of residents, traders, and bystanders.
Citizens have also raised concerns that senior officials within the Ministry allegedly connive with contractors, issuing illegal permits in exchange for personal gain. Health Alert further accused the Ministry, in collaboration with the Freetown City Council (FCC), of allowing construction in disaster‑prone areas such as drainages, gutters, and waterways, despite public outcry.
“These actions have endangered the lives of citizens who occupy or conduct business in these unsafe structures,” the organization warned.
Health Alert is calling on Government, Parliament, and the Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate the allegations and hold those responsible accountable. The group recommends that all house owners in Freetown be required to hire certified engineers approved by a recognized authority, with penalties — including bans or prosecution — for those who fail to comply.