On Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at the Portee Wharf in the east of Freetown, over seven houses were destroyed and one person was injured in a fire outbreak.
According to Salamatu M.Kargbo, a victim, at around 9:00am while she was sitting outside her compound with her friends, she observed smoke in the house and soon after observed fire. She added that the fire soon transferred to other houses.
She said the cause of the fire is unknown: “I cannot tell what really caused the incident, but the incident took place after we received power supply which had gone out for over five hours. As soon electricity supply was restored we then experienced the incident.”
Kargbo stated that they were unable to get control of the fire until everything was completely burnt down, adding that with the efforts of the residents, the fire was prevented from transferring to other houses. “Before the Fire Force could arrive at the wharf everything had been completely burnt down. Now over residents have been left homeless,” she asserted.
She stated that she has lost everything in life, but for her two children and the apparels they wore.
“All that I have gathered in my life time was all burnt by fire. My food stuff, money, cloths and all; Now, from where should I start again,” she asked, adding: “I am homeless and hopeless. We don’t have any place to go and anyone to support us. My two refrigerators, each costing Le 3,500,000, and cash of Le 2,050,000 were all gone.”
She said she used to earn a living after sales of cold water, Ginger beer and soft drink. “I used to earn my living from the freezers, now that they have gone, I have no hope,” she stressed.
She added, “The man who was trying to salvage one of my freezers out of my burning house was injured by gas from the freezer.”
Momoh Kanu, another victim, explained that, Le3,000,000 he had taken from the Micro Finance office to trade was all burnt together with other property.
“On behalf of my fellow victims, I appeal to government and other humanitarian bodies to come to our aid at the wharf to ease our stress,” Kanu concluded.
By Ibrahim S. Bangura
11/02/2021. ISSUE NO: 8000