NGO provides relief food assistance

 A COMMUNITY in Chimbu is a recipient of non-food relief assistance from a non-governmental organisation.

The Womkama community of Gembogl district, through their association Individual Reform and Restoration Movement (IRRM) received non-food relief assistance from Oxfam last November.

IRRM programme coordinator Tobby Sundu said 700 jerry cans and 12 bars of soap each were distributed to 500 families around Womkama, Mainigle Bongugl, Kurumugl Songo, Dangaugl Wirwir, Kaiwo Gamer, Simbur Kair, Yombagl Bendam and Mt Wilhelm Aglmugl communities LLG and Niglkande LLG.

Sundu thanked Oxfam and said that the communities appreciated the assistance because with no large containers, fetching water had been challenging.

“We have been fetching water three times a day with small 4-litre oil containers and at the same time walked more than one kilometre to do that,” he said.

“With 20-litre jerry cans we have now, these will solve our problem of walking long distances,” Sundu said.

He said even though it has rained for some time, water sources have not improved. 

“We need further assistance in rain catchment and gravity feed systems of water supply for some of us who are living on the mountain tops. 

“Therefore we are appealing to both government and non-governmental organisations to assist us with equipment to help supply water. We are grateful for Oxam for their assistance.”