Victims of the September 9 2012 floods in Babessi, Ngoketungia Division had a rare communion with the Head of State's team that travelled to show the President's concern for the damages incurred.
The venue was the court yard of the Babessi Sub Divisional Office with the Minister Delegate in the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization in charge of Decentralized Authorities and Local Councils, Jules Doret Ndongo leading the government's team. It was a day for the victims who welcomed a cash assistance of FCFA 80 million from President Biya. In Effect, the population of Babessi were all smiles on September 28 as the special envoy of the Head of State came to their rescue. The Minister Delegate, Jules Doret Ndong, also had a message of hope for the victims. The floods that hit Babessi in Ngoketungia Division- North West Region affected some 95 families, affected 59 houses amongst which 26 were completely destroyed and 139 farms destroyed. The homeless have so far been in the homes of family members and friends and the population has been barely struggling to survive until last Friday that President Paul Biya's gesture came. They also had material gifts worth FCFA 100 million, made up of school material such as 1000 pens, 1000 pencils, 2000 exercise books, 475 school bags etc. The food aid was made up of 100 bags of 22kg of rice, 67 bags of 50kg of rice, 95 jugs of vegetable oil, 95 bags of salt. The package also contained clothes, blankets, mattresses as well as medical assistance in drugs. The FCFA 80 million cash was also handed to the local crises management committee for the victims.
While handing over the donations, Jules Doret Ndongo said his presence was a sign of the Head of State's concern for the people of Babessi. He said the government of Cameroon has as policy to ensure that all Cameroonians live in comfort and peace, reasons why the assistance was made to enable them regain normal life. He thanked all those who lodged some of the victims and congratulated the local management crises committee for handling the situation with level headedness this far. The Minister equally warned the population to stay away from risk zones. He saluted their courage and assured them that the government will always be by them in times of trouble.
The first Deputy Mayor of Babessi saluted the gesture from the government which according to him comes to help victims restart life again, believing in the Head of State for standing by them in the hour of pain.
