Ethiopian Review

Jijjiga, – The World Food Program (WFP) has commended the swift provision of food aid to people facing food shortage due to the shortage of rain in the Somali state.

WFP handed over office equipment to Somali state government to help enhance the state’s capacity building activities and follow up and monitor the food aid supply.

The handover, which took place at WFP sub-office in Jijiga, included 52 computers, fax and photocopy machines and five motor bikes.

Handing over the equipment to the Somali state disaster prevention and preparedness bureau here Wednesday, WFP country director, Mohammed Diab said the food aid supply to residents of the state is considerably improving beginning last October.

The discussion held on the proper delivery of the food aid to the beneficiaries has brought about positive result, the director said.

He said the construction and maintenance of new and existing ware houses in Degehabur, Kebridehar, Gode and Jijjiga areas has contributed towards the swift delivery of the food aid.

WFP is working closely with the government and humanitarian partners to effectively respond to the food insecurity, he noted.

In addition to the provision of emergency food aid in the state, WFP is engaged in school-feeding program and providing balanced diet to children under five.

Somali state disaster prevention and preparedness bureau head, Guled Ahmed said on the occasion that the number of food aid recipients in the state is currently declined to 1.7 million from 1.9 million previously.

The donation which covers all 9 zones and 26 woredas, is expected to enhance the food aid management capacity, the information sharing system on food allocation, dispatch and distribution mechanisms within the zones and woredas of the region.

(WIC)