By admin 
Freetown, Sierra Leone – A fire broke out in the early hours of Monday, November 18th, at the former railway compound adjacent to the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum.
While the museum’s collection thankfully escaped significant damage, the fire caused substantial harm to the museum building itself.
-
Structural Damage:
- 15 of the 22 windows on one side of the museum lost their glazing and original metal frames.
- Approximately 15-20% of the roof, including both the aluzinc over-cladding and the original asbestos roof, was destroyed.
- Several cracks appeared in the walls due to the intense heat.
-
Operational Disruptions:
- Smoke damage necessitated a thorough cleaning of the entire museum.
- Two display panels were destroyed and require replacement.
- The power supply was compromised, disrupting water pumping for cleaning and affecting other essential services.
The Friends of the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum have pledged their support to restore this nationally protected cultural asset. Their efforts aim to ensure the long-term safety and security of the museum’s collection for the benefit of the public.
We urge the public to consider supporting the restoration efforts. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in preserving this vital piece of Sierra Leone’s heritage.
Original News and Support: https://www.justgiving.com/page/helen-ashby-1733150616104?newPage=true
'Shèun Ominira