West Region: MINAT boss delivers presidential aid to flood victims in Fokoue.

The items were distributed to the victims, by the Minister of Territorial Administration, MINAT, Paul Atanga Nji.

The victims received the aid during a ceremony chaired by the MNAT boss on Monday, October 7. The ceremony was heavily attended by top-ranking government officials from the Region. 

The presidential aid, comprising bedding, food items, roofing sheets, and hygiene kits, were distributed to the inhabitants of Bandoum, Fomopea, Ndounde, Fotchouffeu, and Tsafeu villages, who were severely impacted by the recent natural disasters, which left many homes destroyed and families displaced.

The aid provided to victims in Fokoue Subdivision was part of a larger relief effort, with similar donations made to affected villages in Santchou Subdivision.

The Divisional Officer, DO, of Santchou, also present at the event, on behalf of the affected population, received tents, roofing sheets, beddings and hygiene kits to distribute among the villages of Bale, Mokot, Founguo, Fongwang, and Ngwata.

Enter Mayor of Fokoue 

Speaking during the ceremony, the mayor of Fokoue, Demenou Tapamo Adrienne Paule, warmly welcomed Minister Atanga Nji and his delegation.

She highlighted the immediate actions taken by the local authorities and elite to alleviate the situation of the victims.

The mayor praised the visit of the West Region Governor and urged the Minister to convey the community’s gratitude to President Biya for his support.

Mayor Demenou called on government to address the growing occurrence of floods and landslides, as well as the poor road conditions in the Subdivision.

Gov’t takes commitment  

Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Atanga Nji, on behalf of government, reassured the people of the West Region that President Biya remains committed to their welfare.

He emphasised that government is fully aware of the global challenges posed by climate change and its impacts on local communities. Atanga Nji also acknowledged the losses sustained by many families, including critical documents and properties. 

The minister called for heightened awareness on the dangers of building in risk-prone areas and stressed the importance of preventive measures to avoid future disasters.

"President Biya has not forgotten you. This visit is a demonstration of his concern and a reminder that we must all take part in the fight against climate change," Minister Atanga Nji declared. 

It should be noted that the presidential aid came on the heels of a recent flood and a landslide due to heavy rains on September 27, 2024, in the West Region. 

The governor of the West Region, Awa Fonkwa Augustine, recently visited the affected population. 

This was to evaluate the aftereffects of the landslide and floods and take measures to secure those affected temporarily.

The most recent of such disasters occurred in the Mayo Dany Division in the Far North Region. Official figures revealed that 11 people died as a result of the floods, while around 900 families and 4,375 people were displaced. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3254 of Wednesday October 09, 2024