Tzu Chi Foundation and Caritas Freetown worked together to provide emergency relief to 209 households affected by the Moa Wharf community fire on March 30, 2026.
The distribution, held at Henry Ferguson School to ensure accessibility for affected families, provided essential food, hygiene, and household items to meet immediate needs while stakeholders outlined long-term recovery plans.
Each of the 209 households received a package containing 10kg bags of rice, palm oil, vegetable oil, onions, salt, assorted Maggi seasoning, rubber buckets, sanitary pads, solar touch lights, empty 5-gallon containers, drinking cups, cotton materials (lappa), blankets, toothpaste, pants, and mats. Rice and blankets were distributed based on household size to better meet needs: households with five or more members received five 10kg bags of rice and two blankets, while households with three or fewer members received two 10kg bags of rice and one blanket each. All other items were divided equally among the beneficiaries.
Representatives from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Caritas Freetown, community leaders, and Tzu Chi gave opening remarks at the event. Speaking on behalf of the NDMA, Mr Sylvester acknowledged the magnitude of the devastation and the long-term vulnerability that follows such disasters. He expressed sympathy for the affected families, praised Tzu Chi and Caritas Freetown’s quick response, and reassured the community that NDMA remains committed to collaborating with partners on long-term recovery solutions, particularly in shelter and risk reduction.
Mr Ibrahim, the head of Moa Wharf, thanked both organisations for their prompt intervention, emphasising that access to food is an essential first step for families attempting to recover from the trauma of losing their homes and possessions. He reported that many victims are currently without permanent housing, with some seeking refuge in a community centre that was unaffected by the fire and others staying with relatives or supportive neighbours. Mr Ibrahim emphasised that shelter is the community’s most pressing need, followed by livelihood support to assist families in regaining independence, and he urged for continued assistance, noting that Tzu Chi and Caritas Freetown were the first and only organisations to respond.
Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh, Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, described the distribution as a show of solidarity and compassion. He stated that, while the items distributed cannot fully replace what has been lost, they are intended to provide immediate relief and a sense of hope. He pledged to continue advocating for additional assistance, particularly in the areas of shelter and livelihood recovery, and emphasised the importance of working with Tzu Chi to deliver humanitarian aid.
Margaret Bassie, Tzu Chi’s Country Representative, explained how the distribution procedures are designed to be transparent and fair. She described the household-size-based allocations for rice and blankets and urged recipients to use them responsibly. Bassie reaffirmed Tzu Chi’s commitment to treating communities with compassion and respect.
The distribution was carried out in a timely manner at Henry Ferguson School, with recipients expressing their gratitude for the assistance. Many survivors said the assistance would significantly alleviate immediate hardships and help them begin the longer process of rebuilding their lives.
