Several residents of Totota City, Bong County under the banner “Grievance and Victims’ Welfare Committee” have reiterate calls for accountability of funds raised by the Local Disaster Management Committee headed by Mr. Tornola Varpilah.
It can be recalled that on December 26, 2023, a 9, 000 gallons gas tanker belonging to “God’s Willing Inc.” exploded in Totota, causing the deaths of several residents and fatally injuring many.
At the beginning of the catastrophe, several donations were made by government officials including President Joseph Boakai, local and international NGOs, the World Bank, among others.
The group is however agitating that despite its quest for accountability through a comprehensive report from Mr. Varpilah and his team, efforts seem not to be of importance, mentioning that its advocacy has spanned approximately one year without adherence.
The spokesperson of the group, Alieu K. Konneh, noted that the Local Disaster Management Committee in the early days of the disaster vowed to give a weekly comprehensive report of donations made to them for those affected by the tanker explosion but said, nothing has been done.
Konneh explained, “Our attention is to the resources that were raised before our eyes here in Totota. They told us in March 2024 during a meeting that they raised L$15 million but they did not explain to us how the money was used; which lacked a detailed report.”
He maintained that the report was flimsy and incorrect, thus highlighting the need for a detailed and comprehensive report, and noting that despite the huge donations made for the victims’ wellbeing, much has not been done to provide medication and better livelihoods for those affected by the explosion.
The spokesperson stated that many of the fire survivors who were discharged from hospitals are being left vulnerable without undergoing advanced medical treatment and many are often seen begging for daily meals on the street despite their conditions.
He added, “We are not seeing the impact of the funds that came here. Some of those guys who did not die from the fire are still around here. They need advanced treatment. Their conditions are very bad. Most of them are just in Totota here begging for food despite the fire wounds on their bodies.”
Also, one of those who survived the gas tanker fire but need further medication is Titus Feamah, in which he said their medications and survivability have been downplayed, thus recounting Doctor’s advice during his dischargement from hospital, stating, “You people will need further medical examination and advanced treatment.”
Titus expressed sadness and dismay over the alleged refusal of the Local Disaster Management Committee to give account of funds that were received on their behalf, and further highlighted the lack of support to the children of those who died in the fire calamity as one of his serious disappointments in the disaster management committee.
