The mudslide and flooding left almost 500 people dead and caused millions of Leones of damage. May people are still missing and hundreds of people were left homeless.
On 22 August 2017, the flood victims at George Brook Dwarzark, expressed their frustration. Edward Kanu, a police officer, said, he lost all of his properties due to the massive flooding. “I have nothing to identify me presently as citizen of this country.”
He maintained, “Since the flooding, I have received half a bag of rice and a packet of salt. We are hearing about the daily donations of millions of dollars being made by individuals and institutions but we at Dwarzark are not getting anything serious.”
Many victims and careful observers are beginning to wonder what the government is doing with the money and supplies that seem to be flooding through the Vice President’s office and ONS.
Alimamy Sesay, also a flood victim, said, “We are supposed to receive the items. We are not getting it at all. Most of us are not getting anything. Everybody is focusing on Regent, Kaningo, Juba and other areas, while we are left behind by the government and NGOs. We are also part of the victims.”
Fudia Turay expressed his frustration over the process. She said, “Most of the people who are considered as victims and who are reaping the benefits are not affected at all; not really victims. She called on the government and NGOs to involve the community leaders in the donation process. According to her there are community leaders who know the residents.
MJB/22/8/17
By Mohamed J. Bah
Wednesday August 23, 2017.
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