The inferno left the victims in a dire situation, with the vulnerable particularly children as they face exposure to disease, including malaria, during the rainy season. Their home was reduced to ashes, forcing them to appeal to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), philanthropists, NGOs, and individuals for assistance with cement, timber, and roofing materials to enable effective renovation.
This intervention marks the Foundation’s 20th emergency response presentation to disaster victims. In Bijilo, the Foundation disbursed approximately D45,000, supporting each of the three tenant families with D7,000 in cash, a 50kg bag of rice, 20 litres of cooking oil, and used clothing.
According to the Foundation’s leadership, the initiative reflects its emergency response model—delivering swift and meaningful aid to vulnerable households across The Gambia.
BaiSering Colley, Acting Vice President of the Foundation, stressed the urgency of supporting the victims and appealed to the NDMA, donor agencies, and the central government to intervene.
Pa Ebrima Sanyang, Social Secretary of the Foundation, explained that the provision of food and cash was intended to ensure the families did not suffer hunger at this critical stage.
“Looking at the condition of these affected families through electricity shock, the damages and trauma are very high, and they definitely need support,” he emphasised.
Hafigy Sisawo, a member of the Foundation, revealed that the incident came to their attention through social media, prompting members to raise funds for the victims.
“These victims urgently need a house to sleep in, so we are calling on everyone who can support with the immediate need to get a roof above them,” he appealed.
Modou Davis, the landlord and one of the victims, applauded the Foundation for the swift intervention but appealed for further assistance.
“Our urgent need right now is cement, corrugated sheets and timber to enable us to renovate the house, because we are sleeping outside and exposed to sickness, especially in this rainy season,” he said.
The MIS Humanitarian Foundation was established by alumni of the Management Information Systems (MIS) course at the University of The Gambia, who teamed up as ambassadors to reach out to disaster‑affected communities, including victims of fire outbreaks.
