The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has proposed a budget of NLE 25,923,500 for the 2025 fiscal year, aimed at enhancing the country's disaster preparedness and response capabilities. During a budget hearing at the Ministry of Finance, NDMA's Director General, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Brima Sesay, emphasized the urgent need for increased funding to effectively address disaster-related challenges throughout Sierra Leone.

Lt. Gen. Sesay highlighted the agency's ongoing efforts to mitigate and respond to disasters, citing recent incidents such as building and fence collapses in Freetown. He detailed the NDMA’s collaboration with key government bodies, including the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Environment, the Freetown City Council, and the Sierra Leone Roads Authority. These agencies have jointly conducted assessments, halted illegal constructions, executed controlled demolitions, and undertaken other risk mitigation activities.

"Investing in disaster mitigation is far cheaper than responding to disasters," Lt. Gen. Sesay stated, stressing the importance of proactive measures. "We must invest in the safety and resilience of our communities rather than reacting after disasters occur."

He further emphasized that adequate funding is crucial for essential activities, such as staff training, infrastructure improvements, and the implementation of early warning systems. These measures, he argued, are vital to reducing vulnerability and enhancing the agency’s disaster response capabilities.

The NDMA’s budget proposal also prioritizes community outreach, rapid disaster victim response, and nationwide disaster risk reduction efforts. Lt. Gen. Sesay urged the government to allocate the requested funds, stressing that only with sufficient resources can the agency effectively mitigate risks and build resilient measures to protect communities across Sierra Leone.

The NDMA's budget request now awaits approval from the Ministry of Finance as part of the broader national budget for 2025.