As part of their efforts in supporting deeply affected Kuntorlor victims of the recent October 2024 flooding, the leadership of Lifeline Nehemiah Projects (LNP) together with its dear friends, Lucy and David November, has come together to offer their support during this challenging time.

These assorted items donated ranging from bags of rice, onions, palm oil, vegetable cooking oil to maggie cubes took place on Friday 20th December 2024 at the LNP’s compound, Kuntorlor in Freetown.

It could be recalled that in the early hours of October 24 2024, torrential rains caused parts of Kuntorlor, a range of hills surrounding the community to a widespread of destruction of properties including houses, hence, rendering hundreds of residents homeless.

Speaking on the rationale behind the donation, Lifeline Nehemiah Projects Chief Executive Director, Prince Tommy Williams said they stand in solidarity with the community deeply affected by the flood victims. He went on that they understand that the impact of these floods goes beyond physical damage, adding that families are struggling with both food insecurity and essential non-food needs. “Together, we are committed to providing assistance, including rice, vegetables oil, palm oil, onion and many more food items.”

Mr. Williams furthered that in these global economic challenges, it is crucial that they uplift one another, stressing that their collective efforts aim to restore hope and dignity to those affected. “Let us work hand in hand to rebuild lives and strengthen our community,” he appealed.

He maintained that the victims were devastated due to the unfortunate incident that befell them as the flooding left the victims not only homeless but also vulnerable as they lost all their properties including beddings, cooking utensils, clothing, cash and other valuable household properties.

He ended by urging each and every one going forward to avoid disaster prone areas so that they reduce the life-threatening risks, citing that their resilience inspire them all, and together, they will overcome this adversity.

Chief Pa Alimammy Ssesay at Kuntorlor community said after the incident, Lifeline called them in a meeting to discuss the way forward of the said victims of the flooding. He went on by calling on other organizations to follow the footprint of Lifeline towards supporting victims.

Councilor Abubakarr Sallu Kamara commended Lifeline Nehemiah Projects for what he described as ‘timely’ intervention, noting that the presence of LNP itself is a ‘blessing in disguise’ for the people of Kuntorlor community.

He continued that this was the second intervention of Lifeline since the incident occurred. “The very day of the flooding, LNP rushed in with assorted food items as those affected were left with nothing to eat. The process of data collection in identifying victims was transparent, which is one of the key values of Lifeline; as this will help in making sure that those affected are the ones that receive the items.”

Councilor Kamara ended by calling on victims and residents at Kuntorlor community to desist from building houses in disaster prone areas.

One of the flood victims and beneficiaries, Sheka A. Kamara, applauded Lifeline for considering them at this crucial moment in their lives, adding that the said flood destroyed all what they had leaving them with nothing but said with the supports they are receiving will definitely help them greatly.

He assured the organization that they will make good use of the donated items in order to support themselves and their families in the midst of the festive season.

Another flood victim, Ramatu Sesay also commended Lifeline, which she said are very important in terms of cushioning the negative impacts of the flooding on them as victims.

She disclosed that during the flooding they lost everything as they are currently challenged, furthering that with the donation received, it will help them greatly in supporting them and their families.

“Things are not really easy for us at the moment. After the flooding, many families have been going through hard times, however, with the assorted food stuffs from Lifeline, it will help us and our families slowly rebuild our lives.”