Qatar Relief Alliance of Charitable Societies Initiates Phase II of Somalia, Philippine Relief Project

Doha, March 17 (QNA) - Qatar Relief Alliance of Charitable Societies has announced the initiation of phase II of Somalia and the Philippines Relief Project following sending a field team for evaluation and submission of a final findings. Upon the visit findings, it has been agreed to implement recovery projects at "Puntland" in eastern Somalia to purchase cattle, fishing boats and rehabilitation of some artesian aquifers, health care centers and operation of 4 mobile clinics with total budget of USD 1.86 million. Saleh bin Ali Al Mohannadi, QRC's Secretary General stated that such projects were immediately introduced for implementation after the completion of Phase I where food and non-food items were delivered to more than 1000 vulnerable families, with total cost of about USD 1 million. "Qataris rushed to the assistance of both distressed nations to help our brothers in humanity. This is a clear manifestation of our culture and teachings that encourage people to rescue and relief people during the times of distress". Aid package assigned for each affected family in Somalia included 25 kg rice, 25 kg flour, 15 kg sugar, 6 liters food oil, 2.5 kg child formula, 2 kg dates. While other items for each family included 1 large size blanket, a tarpaulin sheet, inclusive set of utensils and other items to assist more than 70.000 persons. In the Philippines, the alliance has formed technical team to evaluate the recovery projects of Phase II. Technical study was carried out to some projects that will be implemented in the near future, with total cost of USD 4.5 million. Phase I of the relief campaign has been accomplished by sending emergency aids exceeding USD 500.000 to relieve nearly 8200 families (41.000 persons) at the affected zones. Qatar Red Crescent, Sheikh Eid Charity, Qatar Charity, RAF Foundation, and Al Asmakh Charity have formed a relief alliance on Qatar Solidarity Day with the people of Somalia and Philippines held on Tuesday, November 19th, 2013. The Alliance had organized several fundraisers to gather support for Qatar Solidarity Campaign in order to alleviate the suffering of the people of Somalia and the Philippines by collecting financial and in-kind donations. The Alliance also invited schools and universities to support these philanthropic efforts in order to instill humanitarian values in the young generations of Qatar. (QNA)