Veep receives more relief items for flood victims

TWO development partners yesterday presented relief items and monies running into millions of dollars to the government for onward distribution to areas in the country that has been devastated by floods.

The items, which were donated by the Embassies of Japan and Brazil, included pieces of blankets, plastic sheets, portable Jerry cans, water purifiers, bags of maize and rice.

Also included was an 8million dollar support from Japan to purchase equipment to enhance the readiness of NADMO to respond effectively to disaster situations. They were: water pumps, generators, different kinds of trucks, forklifts, bulldozers, excavators, rescue boats, graders, and VHR radio.

Making the donation at the Castle, Osu, Mr. Keiichi Katakami, the Japanese envoy to Ghana said the procurement process for the equipment to support NADMO would commence soon.

He said the food assistance of GHC 3,200,000 from the Japanese counter-value fund was to procure 100,000 bags of maize for distribution to, especially women and children displaced by the floods in the various regions of the country.

Mr. Katakami said the food aid grant totalling 12 millon dollars was part of the supplementary budget adopted by that country's Parliament recently.On his part, Luis Fernando Serra, the Brazilian Ambassador said the 200,000 dollars worth of donation, which was presented through UNICEF, was a way of expressing the support of his country to Ghana in its time of need.

In her remarks, Dr. Iyabo Olusanmi, UNICEF Country Representative said the Brazilian assistance was aimed at alleviating the suffering that the floods had caused children and their families.

"Due to the quick action of both the Ghanaian and Brazilian governments, UNICEF has already been able to use these funds to ensure that 5,000 people had safe drinking water, that 50 families had hygiene kits, that 10 schools were able to continue to provide a safe place for children to learn..."

Respoding to the gestures, Vice-President Mahama expressed the government's appreciation for the support. He said distribution of relief items to victims of flood disasters had already begun in earnest.

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Story: Office of the Vice President
29/11/10