Monrovia: In a significant gesture of solidarity, compassion and support, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has committed a generous amount of 440,465.00 (four hundred and forty thousand, four hundred and sixty five) United States dollars to aid flood victims in one of its members states, Liberia.
Several homes across the Country have been negatively impacted as a result of heavy downpours thereby rendering thousands of families homeless and compromising their livelihood.
This substantial financial contribution underscores ECOWAS’s commitment to assisting those affected by natural disasters and other emergencies in the sub region.
The donation was made to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and its implementing partner, the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) at a joint news conference held at the Pan African Plaza in Sinkor, on 27 September 2023.
The units of currency will be allocated to fund immediate relief efforts initiated by national government and aid to the affected population of 9,680 inhabitants representing 1,841 homes across Liberia.
Remarking at the conference, ECOWAS special Representative to Liberia, Josephine Nkrumah explained, ECOWAS’ commitment is aimed at alleviating the sufferings faced by flood victims and support the efforts of government to rebuild affected communities.
The ECOWAS envoy furthered, the funds will be used to facilitate the immediate delivery of shelter materials, clean drinking water, food supplies, essential medical aid, and sanitation facilities to the affected areas including the building of thier homes.
She emphasized the importance of not only addressing the immediate needs of disaster victims but also building capacity and infrastructure to mitigate the impact of future disasters.
“Comprehensive approach is also designed to address both short-term needs and long-term rehabilitation efforts, laying the foundation for the affected communities to regain stability and rebuild their lives”, Madam Nkrumah notes.
She committed the regional bloc’s continued working relationship with the Liberian government, whilst urging both the NDMA and LNRCS to ensure that the funds are used for the purpose intended.
Meanwhile, NDMA Executive Director, Henry O. Williams thanked ECOWAS for the gesture which he described as timely, and promised to work closely with the LNRCS to ensure that the targeted victims benefit.
Mr. Williams stated, the donation does not only demonstrate the organization’s sincere commitment to standing in solidarity with its member states, but also highlights regional unity and collaboration that underpins its very foundation.
For his part, the Secretary General of the LNRCS, Gregory T. Blamoh assured both ECOWAS and NDMA of his institution’s fullest commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability during the distribution process.
