By: Hellen Namale
KAMPALA
The Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Dr. Lillian Aber has distributed relief funds worth Shs.18 million to the 18 victims identified from the recent Kiteezi landfill disaster. This was during a follow-up meeting yesterday at Kiteezi Police Station to deliver H.E the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s pledge of Shs. 1 million to each of the injured people. The President’s pledge of Shs. 5 million to the families of those who lost their lives during the tragic incident had earlier been delivered by Hon. Aber.
Hon Lillian Aber addressing the injured people from the Kiteezi Disaster
Speaking at the event, Dr. Lillian Aber conveyed the President’s sincere condolences to those affected by the disaster saying that “the government is committed to supporting you during this difficult time”.
In addition to the relief funds, Dr. Aber announced that the government has put in place measures to prevent future disasters.
“Garbage will no longer be dumped here and if someone dumps it, I encourage you to report the person to the RDC or the DPC so that the person can be punished,” she said revealing that garbage is now being looked at as a resource. “We are collaborating with people from other countries on how we can turn it into electricity and it will be taken to Mukono.”
Mbabazi Justine, the Resident District Commissioner of Wakiso District expressed gratitude towards the government and the Hon. Aber for the unwavering support since the onset of the Kiteezi landfill disaster.
Mbabazi revealed that a total of 233 victims were affected comprised of 113 men and 120 women which data was compiled after a thorough verification process carried out by KCCA surveyors to ensure accurate data and information.
Babeiha Wycliffe, the Camp Commandant revealed that the camp currently temporally shelters injured victims, those who lost loved ones, those yet to receive compensation plus relatives of those who could still be buried under the garbage.
“Notably, there are more students in the camp, highlighting the devastating impact on the families and communities, the camp is well facilitated, with adequate food, hygiene facilities and a hospital provided by the Red Cross,” said the Commandant.
One of the victims breaks down in tears as he narrates his ordeal during the meeting
Nanyonga Prossy a resident in the area extended her heartfelt gratitude towards the RDC and the camp commandant for taking good care of them during this difficult time. She went ahead and thanked the Office of the President for the support they have given them which has brought hope and relief in the midst of the tragedy.
The Minister also revealed that the Ministry of Lands Housing and Urban Development and Kampala Capital City Authority are verifying houses that were demolished during the rescue operation and that the owners will be compensated after rightful data has been collected and verified.
“Residents whose houses were demolished to pave way for the graders to pass during the rescue operations will either be given money or land as a way of supporting them, so it will be you to decide whether they give you money and go buy land yourself or they give you land and construct your house,” said Hon. Aber.
Furthermore, she announced that the government, in partnership with the Red Cross and local leaders was setting up a program that will improve the livelihoods of the affected victims.
The distribution ceremony was attended by the RDC of the area, KCCA personal, Red Cross representatives and the local leaders.
The Kiteezi incident occurred on 9th August after a massive garbage heap collapsed, burying people alive. Rescue efforts were launched immediately but unfortunately 21 people lost their lives in the tragedy.
