Liberia: Flood Victims Demand Accountability as Aid Remains Elusive
Six months after devastating floods in Liberia’s River Cess County, residents express anger and frustration over unfulfilled aid promises and allegations of corruption among disaster agency staff. The calamity resulted in significant economic hardship and destruction, with experts insisting on the necessity for improved government actions against climate change and infrastructural education for communities. Calls for urgent relief and accountability dominate the local narrative as vulnerable families strive to rebuild their lives.
In the aftermath of devastating floods that struck River Cess County, Liberia, nearly six months have passed without adequate aid reaching the affected residents. These communities, significantly impacted by floodwaters from the Cestos and Teekpor Rivers, lost homes and livelihoods while confronting an urgent need for assistance. According to Mohamad Keita, local residents feel neglected as governmental support has yet to materialize, despite earlier assurances from officials.
Senator Bill Twehway previously claimed that aid, including bags of rice and cooking oil, was en route to the afflicted areas. However, locals allege that the supplies were intercepted and sold by representatives of Liberia’s Disaster Management Agency along the delivery route, undermining community trust further. Mahyeadeh Zar, a town chief, recounted witnessing the misallocation and selling of these crucial resources.
Ansu Dulleh, head of the Disaster Management Agency, acknowledged the accusations and promised an investigation into the missing aid. Meanwhile, residents disclose that the sole assistance has been from the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, which provided minor financial support to some households. The ongoing struggles include a concurrent crisis where communities must find food and water while attempting to recover their homes ahead of the next rainy season.
The floods led to significant destruction, displacing families and causing widespread economic hardship, particularly for older residents like Keita, who now resorts to burning charcoal to survive. Experts emphasize a pressing need for government intervention to enhance community resilience against climate change, which exacerbates flood risks. Given that climate change is intensifying quickly, urgent measures are needed to enforce regulations against construction in vulnerable areas.
With flood damage still evident, Nanna, a local shop owner, expressed frustration and disillusionment with the unfulfilled promises from the government. Experts such as Jerome Nyenka call for a national awareness campaign to educate citizens on sustainable practices in order to protect the environment and prevent future disasters. As the economy falters and rural poverty escalates, there is a looming risk of civil unrest mirroring historical tensions.
Keita encapsulated the sentiments of many community members: genuine aid is crucial in their time of need, and empty promises from authorities will no longer suffice.
The plight of flood victims in River Cess County underscores the critical failures in disaster response and the urgent need for improved governmental support in the face of increasing climate-related challenges. Reports of aid misappropriation have sparked outrage and highlighted the mistrust between communities and officials. Moving forward, robust measures must be implemented to ensure not only immediate relief but also long-term strategies aimed at enhancing resilience against future catastrophes driven by climate change.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
