Kpetema Village, Bo District, 6th May 2025 – The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has extended critical relief support to victims of a devastating fire incident that occurred on 14th March 2025 in Kpetema Village, Bumpe Chiefdom, Bo District. The fire, which reportedly originated from farm-burning activities about 1,500 meters away from the village, destroyed a total of 48 structures, affecting 94 households and displacing 320 individuals.
After a thorough assessment was conducted, it was revealed that the fire, though massive, caused no fatalities or injuries. However, the damage to property and livelihoods was extensive. Several acres of farmland bearing crops such as bananas, plantains, and a large number of coconut trees were destroyed. Additionally, harvested rice and seedlings stored in homes were completely consumed by the flames.
In response, the NDMA, under the leadership of its Director General, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Brima Sesay, has today provided essential relief items to each affected household. These included five bundles of zinc roofing sheets, five boxes of roofing nails, and five packets each of 4” and 5” wire nails as non-food items. Food aid included a 50kg bag of rice and two gallons of vegetable oil, accompanied by cups, plates, and spoons for household use.
The Director General, who led the response team to the village, expressed deep sympathy to the victims and reassured them of the government’s commitment to their welfare. He also used the occasion to deliver crucial fire safety messages, urging the community to adopt safer farming and land-clearing practices to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Also part of the response team was Madam Alberta Kowa, Deputy Chairperson of the Bo District Council, who extended her gratitude to the NDMA and encouraged the beneficiaries to make proper use of the materials provided, particularly advising them to roof their homes using the zinc sheets.
Hon. Charles Abdulai, Member of Parliament for the constituency, called on the NDMA to maintain its proactive approach toward disaster response, particularly in cases involving agriculture. He emphasized that agriculture remains the cornerstone of the government’s Feed Salone agenda, and protecting farmers from climate and fire-related disasters must be a top priority.
Hon. Chief John Abu, Resident Minister South, commended the agency for its efficiency and stressed the importance of communication during emergencies. He advised local leaders and authorities to always respond to calls, especially those that could involve life-saving information.
One of the affected residents, Madam Adama Chalse, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio and the NDMA for the quick and impactful support provided. “We thank the President and the government for standing by us in our time of need,” she said.
This response once again demonstrates NDMA’s commitment to only mitigating disasters, but providing crucial relief support to victims who suffer from various disasters and ensuring that no citizen is left behind in times of crisis.
For More Enquiries:
Directorate of Communications
Contact: Toll free line: 1199 via all networks
Email: mohamedlbah@ndma.gov.sl
Website: www.ndma.gov.sl
