By Amadou M Jadama
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at through the National Disaster Management Agency has on Wednesday distributed food items, clothing and money to the victims of windstorm and floods at Jassobo Village in Kiang East, Lower River Region.
The 2017 rainy season witnessed heavy downpours that caused massive destruction in parts of the village.
Worth over 100, 000 dalasi, the relief materials distributed included 36 bags of 50kg rice, 18 bags of onions, 18 five-liter gallons of cooking oil, 4 bags of sugar, clothing and money.
Eighteen households and 181 people were affected. Each household received 2 bags of rice, 1 bag of onion, 1 five-liter gallon of cooking oil, 10kg of sugar, clothing and cash at a ceremony held at Jassobo Village.
Presenting the items, Baba F Trawally, the Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, said: “We came purposely to express our sympathy to the community of Jassobo; to give to food, clothing and tokens to the victims so that they can help each other because Islam means sympathy and to assist each other; whether you are Muslim or non Muslim.”
“We came here as a delegation to present these items and we pray that Allah the Almighty protect the community and the entire country,” he added.
Amir Trawally said neighbors should always help someone in need as exactly taught by the Prophet who helped people regardless of their faith. “So this is what we should emulate because he is the master; we are followers,” he said.
Fanta Bojang, Governor Lower River Region, expressed gratitude to the Jama’at for the gesture.
“We know Government cannot do it alone; there should be partners that should complement the efforts of the Government and Ahmadiyya Jama’at is one of those,” she remarked.
She advised the villagers to avoid building their houses in disaster hotspots.
She said during last year’s rainy season, they planted more than hundred trees and advised them to take care of the trees and continue planting more.
Honorable Yahya Gassama, the National Assemble Member for Kiang East, lauded the efforts of the Jama’at, saying they have been a standout in disaster relief.
Baba Colley and Musukebba Sanyang, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the Jama’at for helping them.
