New Disaster Management Service Charter Launched in Sierra Leone with Support from Bournemouth University

October 12, 2024

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) of Sierra Leone has unveiled a new charter outlining service standards for disaster management. This charter was developed with the expertise and research of Bournemouth University’s Disaster Management Centre (BUDMC).

At the launch event in Freetown, Professor Lee Miles from Bournemouth University highlighted the university's long-standing collaboration with the NDMA, particularly in disaster resilience efforts. He emphasized the importance of this partnership in shaping the charter.

The NDMA Director-General, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Brima Sesay, praised the role of research projects like AFRICAB and EVALDIS in contributing to the charter's development, calling it one of the most innovative frameworks in Africa. He noted that these collaborations have gained international recognition for their excellence.

The newly launched Service Delivery Charter aims to establish clear standards and expectations for the NDMA’s services. It outlines the agency's vision, mission, and policy priorities, helping the public better understand how the agency works to reduce risks and manage disaster responses in Sierra Leone. The charter also includes guidance on how citizens can engage with the NDMA for information or to raise concerns.

This initiative comes at a critical time, as Sierra Leone continues to face significant disaster risks, including recent flooding and a major building collapse in Freetown. The charter is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing disaster preparedness and response throughout the country.