By Alfred Fornah
In order to respond to one of the social needs of 106 households at the resettlement camp (‘Mile Six’), located 50 kilometres outside Freetown the International Organization for Migration (IOM) last week distributed solar lanterns to those residing there.
The resettlement camp was established by the Government of Sierra Leone following flash floods between 2015 and 2017, and a tragic mudslide which killed hundreds and left thousands homeless.
“The camp is currently facing many challenges and key among them is the absence of electricity,” said Jeneba B. Kargbo, Chair of the displaced families at Mile Six Community. “The solar lanterns will provide precious light in our homes and the camp facilities. They will improve our children’s academic performance by providing them extra hours of light to study and can also help keep snakes out of our homes,” she added.
“The solar lamps will improve and enhance the quality of life of people in the community,” said Akao Kunikazu, Project Manager at IOM Sierra Leone. “Most importantly, the lamps are rechargeable and provide hours of light in the evening, so families can feel safe at the camp after dark,” he added.
The donation of the solar lanterns was made possible through IOM’s partnership with the Japanese multinational electronics corporation, Panasonic. Through this partnership, over 1,000 people in households and health centres received solar lanterns across Sierra Leone.
Last year, the company participated in a side event organized by IOM during the seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). At this event, Panasonic Corporate Social Responsibility Director General reaffirmed the company’s commitment to continue its partnership with IOM.
