Officials of Qatar Relief Alliance of Charitable Societies holding a meeting on relief projects.

Doha: Qatar Relief Alliance of Charitable Societies yesterday announced the launch of phase II of relief projects in Somalia and the Philippines.

Following visit findings, it has been agreed to implement recovery projects in Puntland in eastern Somalia to purchase cattle, fishing boats and rehabilitate artesian aquifers, healthcare centres and operate four mobile clinics with total budget of $1.86m.

Saleh bin Ali Al Mohannadi, Secretary-General, Qatar Red Crescent, said such projects were immediately introduced for implementation after the completion of Phase I where food and other items were delivered to more than 1,000 vulnerable families, at a cost of about $1m. “Qataris rushed to help our brothers in both countries. This is a clear manifestation of our culture and teachings that encourage people to provide rescue and relief for people in distress.”

Aid package for each affected family in Somalia included 25kg rice, 25kg flour, 15kg sugar, six litres of edible oil, 2.5kg child formula and 2kg dates. Other items for each family included one large blanket, a tarpaulin sheet, inclusive set of utensils and other items for more than 70,000 persons.

In the Philippines, the alliance has formed a technical team to evaluate the recovery projects of Phase II. Technical study was carried out on some projects that will be implemented soon at a cost of $4.5m.

Source: The Peninsula