By: Haruna Kuyateh
Action Aid International The Gambia (AAITG) JuffurehOffice has provided vital support to 81 families affected by disasters in the Upper Nuimi area, disbursing D657,230.00. This aid was aimed at helping victims of domestic fires, floods, and windstorms.
The distribution ceremony, held at the Juffureh Office in the North Bank Region, was attended by the Governor of North Bank Region, Lamin Saidykhan, along with the alkalo and disaster-affected families from Upper Nuimi.
Governor Saidykhan praised AAITG for its significant contribution to the region, highlighting the organization’s efforts in promoting sustainable development through advocacy, training, and education. He emphasized that the assistance would help improve the living conditions of the affected families, allowing them to carry out minor repairs to their homes.
He also commended the strong partnership between AAITG’s Juffureh Office and the Regional Disaster Management Coordination Office in Kerewan, which had helped assess and verify the needs of the disaster victims.
The Governor further urged the community to adopt disaster mitigation measures to reduce their vulnerability to future disasters. He expressed concerns over the increasing rates of illegal logging and bushfires, calling on residents to protect the region’s forest cover. He also mentioned the government’s ongoing efforts to address irregular migration and encouraged young people to explore opportunities in agribusiness, citing government grants available for youth-led projects.
Saikou Darboe, Program Manager for Action Aid’s Local Right Program 9 in Juffureh, reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting people during and after disasters. He thanked Governor Saidykhan and the Regional Disaster Management Committee for their collaboration and praised Juffureh’s Alkalo, Aja Tako Taal, for providing land for the construction of the AAITG Field Office in Juffureh. Darboe also highlighted a previous distribution of D150,000 to 15 rice farmers in Jurunku, whose fields had been destroyed by fire.
Darboe encouraged village leaders to identify the most affected families for future humanitarian support, emphasizing that such efforts would help restore hope. He also urged the community to set aside political differences and work together for the region’s development and social cohesion.
Aja Tako Taal, the Alkalo of Juffureh, expressed gratitude to AAITG for its ongoing support in promoting education, women’s empowerment, and poverty reduction in Upper Nuimi. Saikou F. Bah, Programme Coordinator, stressed the importance of the child sponsorship program, noting that it plays a central role in funding community development initiatives.
Yaya Ndure, President of the Albreda Eco Zone Committee, also thanked AAITG for its work in raising public awareness about human rights, good governance, and environmental protection. He assured the Governor of the community’s commitment to preserving forest resources.
