The Tanzanian Episcopal Conference (TEC) through its charitable arm, Caritas, has donated USD 5,000 (Tsh. 10,000,000) as emergency relief to meet the immediate needs of an estimated 100,000 who have entered Kigoma Region in Western Tanzania.
The Head of Caritas Tanzania, (relief and emergency section) Mr. Ephraim Mkenda, has said the donation is a starting point to allow refugees who enter Kigoma daily meet the most immediate needs.
“Caritas is looking for more money to cope with increasing number of refugees entering Tanzania daily,” he said.
According to Mr. Mkenda, Caritas is applying for funding from Caritas International to buy items like, food, medicines and other basic needs for people in the camps.
Also Caritas Tanzania has committed some 140 workers to work in the refugee camps.
“Our staff are facing some challenges in the operation due lack of proper organization in dealing with the refugees at the moment,” Mr. Mkenda said.
Furthermore, Caritas is offering counseling services to refugees who must start new life in the camps.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mkenda said that lack of proper hygiene in the refugee camps has claimed the lives of 30 refugees due to the cholera outbreak. “The government is putting strict measures to eradicate the disease,” he said.
By Liberatha Ruhikula, Kiongozi Newspaper TEC Communication Office.