Caritas Freetown Begins Registration of 669 Affected Flood Victims
By Mohamed Konneh
Caritas Freetown on Thursday 7th November 2024 begins registration for 669 flood victims within the Western Rural and Urban. The symbolic registration was done in both Levuma and Grafton Community.
The registration exercise is geared towards supporting flooding emergency to 669 affected victims within the western Area.
Making the keynote address, Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh said the gathering is a significant step forward in their commitment to support the most vulnerable.
“We are launching the registration exercise for 669 households affected by recent advertise particularly those impacted by the flooding on September 24 and those previously excluded from the 2020 assistance, Fr. Konteh noted.
He said the initiative is made possible through the Rapid Response Fund 11 and the generous contribution from Margret A. Cragil Philantropies.
Fr. Konteh noted that organized by Catholic Relief Services and implemented by Caritas Freetown, the program aims to enhance the safety, dignity and overall well-being of community members.
He said a total of 669 households will benefited from this gesture from 17 communities both in western rural and urban.
“Each Household will received NLE3,250 to assist with food and WASH materials. Additionally, among the 669 households 100 with critical shelter needs will received an extra NLe 2,500 to support their accommodation, he said.
The Caritas Freetown Executive Director noted that it is important to note that registration does not guarantee immediate eligibility for support and that households must meet the criteria established during the focus group discussion.
“Together, we aim to improve the lives of these households, providing them not just with material support but also with hope and dignity. Let us move forward with compassion and commitment to uplift our community,” he said.
Welcoming community members earlier, the WARD Councillor, Jonah Mansaray thanked Caritas Freetown and its partners for visiting the community and for the support over the years.
Giving the overview of the project, Caritas Freetown Programme Manager, Idris Gibson Mansaray said they were in the community to do a symbolic registration for affected persons affected by recent flooding.
Mr. Mansaray said during the last intervention most affected persons were left out and that this latest project in to cater those left out the last time.
“On 24 of September there was heavy down pour of rains that affected communities. This has created more hardship and burden and the reason for this project,” Mr. Mansaray said.
Hassan John Sapateh from CRS making his statement said this is symbolic because they are in the community to give a helping hand.
“This is what we do supporting people in difficult circumstances. We are all working together and today we are all here to support you. As humanitarian organizations we will continue to work together in supporting vulnerable groups
He assured of CRS continued support to vulnerable groups across the country.
Councilor Unisa Kamara in his statement thanked Caritas Freetown for the support, adding that the council does not work in isolation and that is why they continue to reach to partners whenever disaster occurs.
He said the council will continue to work for its people.
Community representative, Madam Kadi Sillah call for more support noting that there are children who unable to go to school since the disaster.
She said most people are unable to go back to normal life because they lost almost everything they had.
The next stop was at Grafton Community were similar sentiments were express. The program was climaxed by symbolic registration that will continue in days ahead.
