Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC) has signed a USD40,500 grant contract with the government of Japan for the provision of an emergency support vehicle and dewatering equipment to Kulhudhuffushi City.
The contract was signed by Secretary General of MRC Fathimath Himya and Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives Takeuchi Midori. The initiative is being funded under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) scheme. The funding support will go towards strengthening and enhancing MRC’s response activities in Kulhudhuffushi, helping minimise the impact of emergencies and disasters, enabling effective and efficient emergency response and building the resilience of the community.
At the signing ceremony, Ambassador Takeuchi said she is pleased to assist in the development of the economic and social sectors of the Maldives and expressed hope that the funding will greatly assist in MRC’s response to emergency situations. She detailed that the funds will go towards the provision of equipment needed in responding to floods and natural disasters.
Also at the ceremony, Secretary General Himya noted that Kulhudhuffushi has been experiencing an increase in floods since 2017, likely due to environmental and structural changes. She, however, said that the MRC branch in Kulhudhuffushi will be more efficient in its response due to the grant, as the lack of vehicles and equipment is the biggest challenge facing volunteers. She added that the emergency support vehicle will also be used to provide first aid treatment for the elderly.