A food and non-food aid distribution operation for victims of the June 29-30 floods in Togo's Lacs 2 commune was launched on September 24 in Atchamé. The initiative, led by Plan International-Togo, aims to provide emergency assistance to 1,732 people, or 489 households, in nine villages. The project is a collaboration with the National Agency for Civil Protection (ANPC), the National Catholic Childhood Bureau (BNCE), the Togolese Red Cross (CRT), and the Synergie de Développement NGO.
The aid, valued at 44,735,783 F CFA, consists of food and non-food items, including maize and rice, vegetable oil, plastic buckets, soap, blankets, plastic mats, and packaging bags. The goal is to improve the living conditions of affected households through emergency humanitarian assistance tailored to their priority needs. The project also includes disaster prevention and management awareness actions and mechanisms for beneficiaries to provide feedback on the assistance received.
The initiative is supported technically and financially by the West African Development Bank (BOAD) Foundation. The prefect of Lacs, Bénissan-Tétévi Datè, and the commune's mayor, Mensah Amavi Benoit, expressed gratitude to the donor for their solidarity and commitment to improving the living conditions of populations, especially those in distress.
Dr. Amara Kouyaté, delegated general director of the BOAD Foundation, emphasized that "solidarity towards vulnerable people is not a virtual act, but a sustainable commitment." Ousseynou Samb, representative of Plan International-Togo, stated that "together we can make each crisis not only a moment of response but also an opportunity to strengthen our collective capacity to better anticipate, protect, and rebuild."
The project aims to provide psychological support to victims, alleviate their suffering, and enable them to cope with the humanitarian emergency. The beneficiaries will receive kits composed of essential items to help them recover from the floods. The ANPC, represented by Commissioner Simbou Aklesso, also provided information on disaster risks, behaviors to adopt, and prevention measures.
The ANPC representative reminded the audience of the agency's free and accessible green number, 170. The authorities and stakeholders present at the launch event acknowledged the importance of the initiative and the need for continued support to affected communities. The project is an example of collaborative efforts to address the needs of populations affected by natural disasters.
The distribution of aid is a significant step towards alleviating the suffering of flood victims in the Lacs 2 commune. With the support of various stakeholders, Plan International-Togo and its partners aim to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected. The initiative demonstrates the importance of solidarity and collective action in responding to humanitarian crises.
Key points
- 1,732 people in Togo's Lacs 2 commune to benefit from emergency food and non-food aid.
- The aid is valued at 44,735,783 F CFA and includes essential items such as food, plastic buckets, and blankets.
- The project is a collaboration between Plan International-Togo and various stakeholders, including the ANPC and the BOAD Foundation.
