At least 430 houses were affected during the inferno that swept through the Island
Coastweek — One month after a fire tragedy in Faza Island, in Lamu, on 5th September 2009 , that left 2,500 people homeless and 430 houses razed down, generous efforts are still being made to assist the affected people.
Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) Secretary General Abbas Gullet has commended all well-wishers, both in Kenya and the Diaspora, for their continued support towards the reconstruction of homes in Faza Island. , to support the reconstruction of Faza Island..
On Tuesday, October 6, 2009 , Jalal Balala, donated to KRCS Ksh. one million on behalf of Kenyans in the United Arab Emirates
“On behalf of KRCS, I sincerely thank Kenyans in UAE for their generous donation.
“Since the tragedy, the Society has been providing humanitarian aid to the residents including food, non-food items, health and sanitation.
“KRCS is working jointly with the Ministry of Health in providing healthcare to those affected by the fire tragedy.”
At least 430 houses were affected during the inferno that swept through the Island , leaving at least 214 homes totally destroyed. Immediately after the tragedy, KRCS distributed 600 blankets, 600 collapsible jerrycans 300 tarpaulins, 180 kitchen sets, 600 pieces of bar soaps, food and clothing, to the affected people.
Last month, the President H.E. Mwai Kibaki and the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Raila Odinga, presided over a fund raising that helped raise Kshs. 64 million for the reconstruction of the homes in the island.
“Kenya Red Cross thanks all well-wishers who have assisted the affected families”.
Those who have made their donations through KRCS include:
National Museums of Kenya , United Nations Office in Charge of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) which donated Ksh3.7 million (US$50,000),
World Vision Kenya which donated relief materials worth Ksh1,169,000 ($US15,587),
Iranian Red Crescent (Ksh2 million), and Mrs. Naushad Merali (Ksh1 million).
Safaricom Limited has pledged Ksh 1.5 million to the Faza Island Disaster Appeal and most recently Kenyans in the United Arab Emirates
Some 250 tents have been dispatched to Faza to provide temporary shelter to the residents, while awaiting reconstruction of their houses.
Already, 60 tents have been pitched in two camps.
A team of architects has been dispatched to Faza Island and is expected to complete their work later this week.
A detailed plan from the architects would help in mapping and re-planning new settlements in the Island.
The reconstruction of one house is estimated to cost Ksh. 500,000.
Some local resources such as lime and timber are earmarked for the reconstruction, which will also boost the local economy.
Another team was dispatched by KRCS to Faza, Pate and Kizingitini islands for hydrological investigation, which would provide a professional opinion on availability of ground water for exploration.
The residents currently rely on water-boating and rain water harvesting.
COASTWEEK.COM
Comments