The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has completed second round of unconditional cash transfer to one thousand nine hundred and thirty two (1932) victims of 7th July windstorm.
This disbursement of more than forty three million dalasis (D43million) to the windstorm victims follows the agency’s earlier intervention of over eight million dalasis (D8Million) cash transfer of seven thousand five hundred dalasis to one thousand and seventy one (1071), households affected by the windstorm.
Sanna Dahaba, executive director National Disaster Management Agency disclosed to this medium that forty three million, nine hundred and forty five thousand, three hundred and fifty dalasis (D43, 945, 350, 00) has been disbursed to one thousand nine hundred and thirty two (1932) victims across the country.
He further disclosed that the agency successfully handed over twenty two thousand and five hundred dalasis (D22, 500) to each beneficiary victim, adding that the disbursement of the fund is a clear manifestation of the position of the government in ameliorating the plights of the windstorm victims.
“The government of the Gambia recognizes that the more you invest in resilience building the less vulnerability in the family. I want to thank the leadership of the country for putting disaster management in the nerve centre of the National Development Plan,” NDMA executive reaffirmed government position.
Also speaking to The Voice Newspaper, Lamin Saidy, Disaster Management Coordinator for North Bank Region said the intervention from National Disaster Management Agency is very timely as it will go a long way in addressing the pressing issues affecting the victims, adding that through the government of the Gambia NDMA has concluded first round of Unconditional Cash Transfer to Windstorm Disaster Affected families.
“A total of 868 families were supported with a 3 month Cash Transfer at a tune of D7, 500 accumulatively D22, 500 per family that is meant to build back better. The response is ongoing and different partners are responding at different level which includes: ADRA, ActionAid, WFP and GRCS” Saidy disclosed to this medium.
He added: “The entire Cash distribution went accordingly as planned and the beneficiaries’ communities were urged to use the money into its intended purpose.”
He further stated that the region is one of the hardest hit areas and the number of families affected cannot be exhausted at a go.
He also pointed out NDMA is aware of these challenges and is engaging in high level of resource mobilisation in a bid to reach out to all those affected.
Fatou Sey, a single mother and a native of Sare Alpha in the NBR, confirmed receiving twenty two thousand and five hundred dalasi (D22, 000) from NDMA, adding that the payment was paid in two installments, D7, 500 and D15, 000 respectively.
“I have received D22, 500 from the NDMA and has already bought three packets of corrugates and rum palm to repair my house. My family lost two structures due to the windstorm but with this help we start from somewhere,” Fatou Sey told The Voice Newspaper.
She commended officials of the NDMA and the government of The Gambia for considering their plights and intervening at the right time, adding that any balance left from the support given to her will go towards the education of her children.
