relief supplies

The National Government and corporate entities’ swift response to help victims of the earthquake deserves applause.
However, there are issues that need to be properly considered instead of relieving people with water bottles and bags of rice.
Firstly, relief packages should include medicines, tents or, better still, building materials in the form of nails and corrugated iron roofing so lives can be restored to normalcy.
There are reports of donations from private and corporate entities from both domestic and overseas that are yet to reach people in need.
This is a sad scenario that requires immediate rectification and calls for audit for transparency.
It is also appropriate to attend to those people in real need with proper relief packages instead of squandering money on car and helicopter hire.
These have consumed a larger portion of the monies donated so far. Mainstream media revelations disclosed that millions have been donated and millions are still pouring in. This is yet to be literally converted to any form of relief packages in areas that have been adversely affected by the earthquake.
Many victims have passed on in regrettable circumstances without having a slice of the sugar-coated rescue packages.
This is an appalling situation that requires immediate attention.
Authorities spearheading the relief operations should speed up the process instead of delaying, and hence gambling with the lives of very people they all claim to help.
The livelihood of people in need must not be compromised in favour of the lengthy process of protocol.
The delaying tactic is taking its toll and the victims are somewhat painstakingly left in suspense.
If help is forthcoming, it is high time it has rendered as soon as possible without further delay.
Please also consider converting those water bottles and bags of rice into something durable and sustainable as we have enough food and bounteous supplies of water.

Sly Effa