Fourah Bay College offers a range of undergraduate programs designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge. Our Civil Engineering program provides comprehensive training, leading to a Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng.) degree, with opportunities for further recognition and a Master of Engineering (M. Eng.) degree.

In addition to engineering, we focus on critical issues such as water and sanitation. Our initiative, 'Water for Survival,' evaluates the role of NGOs in establishing essential water and sanitation facilities for rural communities in Sierra Leone. This program aims to address vital needs and improve living conditions.

The Arts Department is dedicated to fostering creativity and cultural expression. We are in the process of developing a Theater Arts Program, which will enhance our curriculum and provide students with opportunities to engage in various artistic activities. Our planning includes strategies for future growth in the field of arts education.

At Fourah Bay College, we are committed to providing a holistic educational experience that prepares students for their future careers while also addressing community needs.

Planning, Housing and the Built Environment in Freetown

A new condominium or multi-unit housing development is a useful lens for understanding how engineering, environmental planning and community needs come together. Freetown is a city squeezed between the mountains of the Western Area Peninsula and the Atlantic coast, and its rapid growth has placed heavy pressure on land, drainage, roads and water supply. Any large residential project in this setting raises questions that students of civil engineering and related fields are trained to ask.

Engineering questions behind a development

  • Site and soil: Hillside plots are common around Freetown, so slope stability, foundations and erosion control are central concerns, especially during the heavy rains of the wet season.
  • Drainage: Run-off from roofs and paved areas must go somewhere. Poorly planned drainage can worsen flooding for neighbouring communities further down the slope.
  • Water and sanitation: Reliable water connections, storage and safe wastewater disposal are as important as the buildings themselves. This links directly to the kind of questions explored in water and sanitation research.
  • Access and services: Roads, power, waste collection and emergency access all need to be considered before construction begins.

Beyond the buildings

Housing projects also have social and cultural dimensions. Who will live there, how the development fits into existing neighbourhoods and whether shared spaces encourage community life are questions that draw on the social sciences and even the arts. Good design can reflect local building traditions and climate, using shade, ventilation and materials suited to a humid tropical environment.

For students, following real developments in the city offers a practical case study: comparing plans with what is built, observing how sites cope with rain, and considering long-term maintenance. Those interested in these topics can explore the relevant courses on our programs page, or read about ongoing work in research connected to infrastructure, water and urban growth in Sierra Leone.

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