By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, Sierra Leone—The Resilient Urban Sierra Leone Project (RUSLP), funded by the World Bank, has initiated a two-day stakeholder review of the Flood Risk Investment Option Report at Freetown City Hall. The event, which commenced on Tuesday, April 23, 2025, brings together representatives from beneficiary city councils alongside various ministries, departments, and agencies to evaluate investment proposals aimed at mitigating urban flood risks.
On the first day of discussions, stakeholders from Freetown City Council, Port Loko City Council, Lungi, and WARD-C reviewed proposed solutions for their respective flood-prone areas. The remaining beneficiary cities, including Bo, Kenema, and Bonthe, are scheduled to engage in discussions on Thursday.
RUSLP, supported by a $56.7 million World Bank investment, seeks to enhance urban planning, infrastructure resilience, and disaster risk management in Sierra Leone’s cities. The initiative also tackles solid waste management—an issue significantly contributing to urban flooding.
Project Manager Anthony Koroma stressed that the flood risk assessment and management plan is in its final phase. He affirmed that the Consultant’s Flood Risk Investment Option Report is based on rigorous studies tailored to address flooding challenges in different cities.
“Sierra Leone is disaster-prone, particularly in urban and coastal regions,” Koroma remarked. “This study identifies high-risk areas and recommends investment strategies adapted to each city’s needs.”
Koroma emphasized the significance of stakeholder engagement: “City representatives should examine the recommendations, seek clarifications, and contribute ideas to help shape a robust way forward.”
The RUSLP has played a pivotal role in launching and operationalizing the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), further solidifying the country’s disaster preparedness mechanisms.
Senior Civil Engineer Augustine Sinah highlighted that the flood risk study has undergone several phases over the years. He noted that the recommendations outlined in the report will support city stakeholders in developing long-term mitigation strategies.
During the review, the Consultant presented key investment options to reduce urban flooding, followed by interactive group discussions where stakeholders shared feedback to refine the report and ensure alignment with local needs.
The RUSLP is a collaborative effort spearheaded by government agencies, international partners, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community stakeholders. The initiative aims to strengthen Sierra Leone’s urban disaster resilience through proactive planning and strategic infrastructure investments.
As Koroma aptly stated, “You can’t stop the rain, but you can predict its effects and prepare accordingly.”
The stakeholder review will continue until Thursday, with further discussions on flood resilience strategies for secondary cities across the country.