Life as a building construction worker in Sierra Leone

The aftermath of Sierra Leone's decade war has witnessed a rise in building and construction work in the country. There are also lots of these works all over the country as the country's middle class grows. However, for construction workers, life has not been that easy as most are not aware about the benefits of insurance as they involved in an everyday risks to provide a living for themselves and their families.

What is life like working in the construction industry?
Well Life in this industry can be difficult as it is sometimes hard to get a job and we are not on permanent jobs. We work on contract basis and when jobs are available.

Turning the concrete mixture at a building site in Freetown

How do you find it, enjoyable or hard?
The most enjoyable part of it is getting paid at the end of the day. It is easier when there are enough materials to work with. Sometimes it is very difficult as we work harder under the hot burning sun. Concreting slabs can be very hard as it is hard labour throughout.

Construction workers busy at work

How long have you been in construction?
Most of us here have been in this trade for over 15 years.

Busy construction worker offers to help as the rains gather atop the hills of Freetown

Is it a profitable job?
Yes it can be very profitable if one gets contract and on a continuous basis. My family depends on this job.

Construction worker in motion

Any achievements?
Personally I am thankful to this job as I am able to feed my family from this job which is really hard for some of my colleagues. Currently, I am building a three bedroom house with one master bedroom at Wellington, thanks to the job.

This hard working mason admires his work on the floor

What's your most memorable moment?
My most unforgettable moment will be when i fell off a scaffolding at Wellington. I was seriously injured but thanks to God all my bones are intact. There are good  and bad times in this industry but we are keeping the spirit.

A busy mason turns the concrete mixture on the floor

Are you insured for accidents at work?
Hahahaha.....There's nothing like that in the industry here. We are ought to deal with accidents on our own and if the construction company is really nice with us, they will incur the cost for any accident but for some others they will say that's why we are paid on contract.