The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS), on Saturday presented 30 packets of corrugated iron sheets and 200 pieces of timber to disaster victims in North Bank Region at a ceremony held in Kerewan.

Presenting the materials to the regional governor, Mamudu Bah, secretary general of Gambia Red Cross Society underscored the importance his society attaches to timely response to disasters and by extension, complementing government's efforts in the provision of humanitarian services to affected victims and families. He assured of his office's continuous support in providing prompt services to alleviate the plight of the desperate.

On receiving the items, the NBR governor, Eduwarr Seckan, commended Gambia Red Cross Society for their continuous assistance to disaster victims through the Regional Disaster Management Committee, drawing attention to  the donation of 18 cartons of second hand clothings, which were previously distributed to affected families. He said the presentation of building materials is a clear testimony of the concern GRCS attached to the recent flood and wind storm, in its efforts to  enhance the wellbeing of the victims in national development. He used the opportunity to urge the beneficiaries to optimally utilise the materials by putting up structures to ease their housing burden.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony,  Buba Dabo, disaster coordinator at Gambia Red Cross Society, said the objective of GRCS is provide humanitarian services to people in need of assistance and to rehabilitate affected families to actively engage in their day to day activities. Dabo commended the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) for their valuable contribution to disaster victims across the regions, in their efforts to the ease the plight of the families in terms of foodstuff and some building materials. He urged the beneficiaries to always adopt preventive methods to avert the occurrence of disasters in the near future, by ensuring that all the donated materials are utilized for the intended purpose.

The chairman of Kerewan Area Council, Alh. Lamin Ceesay, and Chief Fafanding Kinteh of Lower Baddibu, all hailed the efforts of Gambia Red Cross Society for providing humanitarian assistance to affected families. The materials would greatly contribute to meet up some of the problems encountered by individuals and families to uplift their status and enhance their participation in food production. One of the beneficiaries, Kemo Jawara, applauded the efforts of GRSC for their outstanding donation of building materials to affected families saying will enable them put up better structures that would counter flood. Imam Fafanding Ceesay and the Alkalo of Kerewan Jikiba Fatty, thanked government and GRCS for their valuable contribution in improving the wellbeing of the victims.