August 17, 2017 By Ibrahim Tarawallie
Charge De Affaires at the Chinese Embassy, Wang Xin Min, handing over list companies who made the donation to VP Bockarie Foh
Physical cash presented to the Vice President of Sierra Leone,Victor Bockarie Foh
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce, which comprises various companies operating in Sierra Leone and medical team members from the Xiangya Hospital of Central South yesterday donated over $200,000, as well as other materials towards the efforts of government in trying to support people affected by the flood and mudslide disaster.
Monday 14, August 2017 was a devastating moment as flooding and mudslide washed away hundreds of Sierra Leoneans in various communities, including Regent, Mount Sugar-Loaf, Kamayama, Kaningo and Dworzark, among others.
The incident, which is apparently worst in the country’s history, left thousands of people homeless across the city of Freetown.
Speaking during the ceremony, Charge De Affaires at the Chinese Embassy, Wang Xin Min, said the people of China are with Sierra Leone during this moment of grief because the two countries are like brothers and sisters.
“Our hearts and minds are with the government and people of Sierra Leone in this time of difficulty. We are always with you. This donation is a token of our friendship and we will continue to do more,” he said.
He disclosed that the Chinese government is currently putting modalities in place to send in their own support to help the government in caring for the victims of the disaster.
Vice President Victor Bockarie Foh welcomed the support from Chinese companies in the country and assured that the items and cash donated would be used for the intended purpose.
“I know China for their discipline. I want to assure that we will be discipline in everything we do during this difficult time. We will take measures that will address this calamity in the future, we cannot stop natural disasters but we must be prepared to care for our people. So many areas are affected. We are in a state of shock and mourning,” he said.
He disclosed plans by the government to remove those in disaster prone areas to more safe areas and also build affordable homes for the people.
According to him, President Ernest Bai Koroma is seriously concerned with regards accountability and transparency, and that he wanted them to be inclusive in whatever they do.
“I am glad that you care for us. The money and materials donated will be handed over to the Office of National Security. Over 400 dead bodies have been discovered and we are starting to bury them today (August 17, 2017),” VP Foh stated.
The money and materials were donated by CCECC (SL) Limited, China Railway Seventh Group, China Railway International Group company limited, China National Fisheries Corporation, Power China International Group, Kingho Investment company limited, BUCG Bintumani Hotel, CHICO, Guangjin International (SL), Guoji Group branch, LE Wireless (ITV), Shandong Steel Group, China Military Medical Team, Startimes Media (SL) company limited, 2016 Brightness Trip in Sierra Leone, The Medical Team members of the second Xiangya Hospital of Central South and Yang Jilong and China Friendship-SL, among others.