During a meeting with Umod Ujulu, the region’s chief administrator, Shimozawa reviewed socio-economic progress as a result of UNHCR’s assistance and announced efforts will be stepped up to help all residents.
He also highlighted the Ethiopian government’s efforts to ensure residents, emigrants and displaced persons have access to essential services, rehabilitate public facilities and support the economy, although he felt these were insufficient.
Gambella is very well served by national and regional agencies, particularly to protect refugees and improve quality of life, but it needs collaboration with humanitarian agencies, he said.
Meanwhile, according to a TV report by Fana Broadcasting Corporate, Ujulu thanked the agency for its willingness and explained that its work with displaced people has had a positive impact on the rest of the community.
The results are effective and tangible both in the camps and in neighboring towns, he stressed, calling for continued support until areas affected by the heavy rains return to normal.
Gambella was prone to flash flooding due to the overflow of the Akobo, Alworo and Gilo rivers and their tributaries, and suffered torrential rains from early August to last October.
As a result, at least 37,400 homes were destroyed, 185,200 Ethiopians displaced, 72 percent of farmland damaged and 8 percent of livestock killed, according to official reports.
They also caused the collapse of the water supply system, the destruction of 77 health facilities and the disruption of the school year in 135 schools (99 primary and 36 secondary schools), affecting more than 56,000 children.
jf/raj