July 2024: The perimeter fence of the Siaka Steven’s National Stadium is currently under rehabilitation by the Chinese GCCIC Construction Company. However, it has collapsed, resulting in one fatality. This incident occurred in the Grey Bush area, opposite the cemetery.

By Theo Edwards for YAME

Community after community is nothing but calamity and ruin (Old Testament biblical reference)

The skies have unleashed a deluge upon Freetown, with a relentless downpour almost daily since the beginning of July.

“I make light and create darkness. I give blessings and create disasters. I, the LORD, do all these things” ~ Isaiah 45:7 GOD’S WORD Translation (GW).

It is unclear whether this is a result of climate change, but ‘Freetonians,’ as the city mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, often refers to the city's residents, has likely contributed to its own demise through environmental mismanagement, urban planning, housing, and a political system that has not effectively addressed the issue since the 80s that we so deserve this wrath.

 READ: Sierra Leone Unapproved Construction: Juba in Peril

I give blessings and create disasters ~ Isaiah 45:7

The impact of human activities on flooding in Freetown cannot be overstated. Deforestation has led to reduced vegetation cover, increasing soil erosion and surface runoff. Urbanization has exacerbated the issue by creating impervious surfaces that prevent water infiltration and encroaching on floodplains, resulting in heightened flood risk. Inadequate drainage systems, due to lack of maintenance and capacity, are overwhelmed by increased water volume. Furthermore, the absence of flood protection measures, such as levees, retention ponds, and early warning systems, leaves the city extremely vulnerable to flooding.

Freetown's Deluge: A Perfect Storm of Climate Change and Human Error

Climate change, a global phenomenon, has manifested in Freetown as increasingly erratic and intense weather patterns. Rising global temperatures are altering precipitation cycles, leading to more frequent and heavier downpours. The city's vulnerability is exacerbated by a host of human-made issues.

Environmental mismanagement is a critical factor. Deforestation, rampant and unchecked, has stripped the land of its natural defenses against erosion. The once-protective forests that absorbed rainwater are now absent, leaving the city exposed to the full force of the downpours. Poor waste management practices further compound the problem, as clogged drains and waterways exacerbate flooding.

Urban planning, or rather the lack thereof, has also contributed to the crisis. Rapid urbanization without corresponding infrastructure development has led to haphazard construction and encroachment on floodplains. Buildings erected in vulnerable areas are now at the mercy of the elements. The city's inability to cope with the increased volume of water is a direct result of this shortsighted planning.

READ: Sierra Leone: Small Country, Massive Suffering

Political neglect cannot be overlooked. For decades, the issue of urban flooding has been a recurring problem, yet successive governments have failed to implement comprehensive and sustainable solutions. Corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of political will have hindered progress. The result is a city ill-prepared to face the challenges posed by climate change.

It's important to note that while climate change is a global issue, its impacts are felt most acutely by vulnerable populations in cities like Freetown. The convergence of climate change and human-induced factors has created a perfect storm, leaving residents to suffer the consequences. To address this crisis effectively, a multi-faceted approach is required, encompassing climate adaptation measures, improved urban planning, investment in infrastructure, and strong governance. The future of Freetown depends on it.