Regional News of Wednesday, 8 October 2003

Source: GNA

Rainstorm victims receive relief items

Gambaga (N/R), October 8, (Credit Seidu), GNA - Hajia Alima Mahama, Deputy Minister for Trade, Industry and Presidential Special Initiatives (PSI), on Tuesday presented assorted items valued at 7.9 million cedis to rainstorm victims in the East Mamprusi District.

The items included 30 mattresses, 25 bags of cement, 20 bundle of roofing sheets, 50 blankets, 10 plastic buckets, 30 bags of rice and two cartons of frytol cooking oil.

The storm, which hit the Gambaga township in May this year, destroyed three primary schools, two junior secondary schools, a health centre, 17 government buildings, 160 private houses rendered about 1,500 persons homeless.

Hajia Mahama said she appealed to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to assist the affected persons.

She said the presentation was the "widow's mite" of the government and assured the victims of more assistance.

Hajia Mahama advised the people to bury their political differences and rally behind the government in its efforts to improve the living conditions of all Ghanaians.

She also asked beneficiaries of the donation not to distribute the items along party lines, saying: "Equity distribution will create room for more sympathizers".

The Deputy Minister advised the people against unnecessary political debate but to remain united and work hard to promote development in their communities.

The District Chief Executive, Mr David D. Konlaa, who received the items, gave the assurance that the District Assembly would rehabilitate all the schools and government buildings that were affected by the rainstorm.

The Assembly Member for Gambaga-Fong Electoral Area, Madam Joyce Lamisi Tia, thanked Hajia Mahama for showing concern for the welfare of the people.