U.S Donates Over 1,500 Rolls of Emergency Shelters for Ethiopians Displaced in Tigray

April 16/2021(ENA)   The United States today handed over 1,500 rolls of heavy-duty plastic sheeting that will be used for emergency shelter for Ethiopian displaced due to conflict in Tigray region.

U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Geeta Pasi handed over the supplies to IOM Chief of Mission Maureen Achieng and Deputy Commissioner Yasin Nesibu from Ethiopia’s National Disaster Risk Management Commission (NDRMC) at a warehouse in Addis Ababa.

The donated shelter supplies include sleeping mats, blankets, and basic household items—including kitchen sets with pots, pans, and cooking utensils.

Ambassador Geeta Pasi said on the occasion that today’s donation is an important commitment of the US to support the efforts of government’s immediate response for displaced people because of the conflict.

“Over the past five months, the United States has been working tirelessly with our Ethiopian and international partners to provide emergency assistance to the 4.5 million Ethiopians affected by the crisis in Tigray. USAID’s airlift of durable plastic sheeting is in addition to the 305 million USD of humanitarian aid already provided,” the Ambassador added.

According to her, the U.S government is working with partners like IOM and the government of Ethiopia to make sure that the donated materials are reached to the areas.

IOM Chief of Mission in Ethiopia Maureen Achieng said the IOM will soon transport and distribute the shelter materials and supplies to people in need.

“This donation comprises many rolls of plastic sheeting and non food items to meet the urgent gap and shelter assistance allowing for the construction of more communal shelters which will be able to accommodate more people,” she added.

The Chief stated that IOM will construct communal shelters in collaboration with local and international NGO partners through the IOM rapid response fund.

National Disaster Risk Management Deputy Commissioner Yasin Nasibu appreciated the U.S government and its people for their support.

The Deputy Commissioner further called on partners to increase their support to affected areas in a bid to enhance the efforts being carried out by the government of Ethiopia to improve the humanitarian situation in the region.