By Foday Moriba Conteh
Indeed it was a somber and an emotionally touching moment for the fire victims of Susan’s Bay Community, who have been benefitting from the hot meal that was provided for them in the aftermath of the disaster, when news break out that there will no longer be any hot meal beyond Pray Day which was the 13th May, 2021.
That announcement left victims in a sorrowful state when Caritas Freetown informed them that the Hot Meal service, which it started on the 24th March 2021, will come to an end.
Victims were in tears as they bade goodbye to the Hot Meal that was provided for them within the last two months. Despite singing, dancing and showering of praises on Caritas Freetown, victims were still in disbelief as the end of the hot meal closed down on Pray Day, marking the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The fire incident that hit Susan’s Bay left dozens of community members homeless including women and children.
“We will no longer drink tea in the morning and eat the very best of cooked food daily now that Caritas Freetown is ending the daily feeding. This is painful especially for our children who have now been used to rich tea,” one of the female victims bemoaned.
She noted that the food provided daily was the best thing that was happening to them after the fire incident.
“Caritas Freetown is ending the hot meal today leaving us to fend for ourselves once again even though we have not fully recovered from the trauma that befell us. My entire house got gutted down during the fire incident and I don’t even have a pot that will aid me cook for my family,” she said with tears rolling down her cheeks.
The devastating fire that engulfed the Susan’s Bay Community on the 24th March 2021 is still fresh in the minds of victims who now struggle on a daily basis to feed for themselves and have safe places to sleep.
With the aim of keeping the victims hopes alive, the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, Rev. Father Peter Konteh encouraged them and the community people to be hopeful and believe in what they do.
He called on them to be resilient and to also continue to work hard.
Father Konteh read the message sent by the CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation noting that true suffering in the world arises from starvation, poverty and the lack of resources.
The letter states that upon learning of the fire incident that took place at Susan’s Bay, Tzu Chi was greatly concern and the reason for the hot meal that was introduced for victims.
He said Tzu Chi is grateful to have long term partners working together for the people of Sierra Leone.
“Immediately the fire incident took place, Partnering with Humanity began cooking hot meals daily and distributing used clothes, sanitary kits and other necessities for babies. As our hot meal service comes to an end, we hope our two-month food package and cooking utensils can help you on the journey to recover,” the letter stated.
Father Konteh noted that as the hot meal ends victims will be getting some other sorts of support that will help them as they continue to rebuild their lives.
“We will be giving you cooking pots, pans and garri that will aid your cooking while we end the hot meal today. These items will aid you to cook for yourself but we are not going away,” he assured them.
He informed them that Caritas Freetown is still here and will continue to give support in whatever form as and when necessary.
Father Konteh also told the people that Pope Francis on the day of Ramadan extended his regards to Muslims across the world as they celebrate Eid-ul-Ahda.
Caritas Freetown Programme Manager, Ishmael Alfred Charles, speaking earlier, explained the importance of religious tolerance which, he said, is widely practiced in Sierra Leone.
He encouraged the community residents to always stay peaceful as that is what religion is all about.
Charles noted that the work of Caritas and it partners, Partnering With Humanity is to serve people especially those in difficult situations like the fire victims at Susan’s Bay.
“The fire incident was not your making and we were also not preparing for it. But this is what we have been called to do. We serve humanity through the cultivation of love,” he said with passion.
The Buddhist Tzu Chi that is supporting Caritas Freetown includes Healey International Foundation and LANYI Foundation all, he said, are passionate about service to humanity.
“We exist because of you and the reason for this gesture,” Charles said.
The brief programme held just after Ramadan prayers at the Susan’s Bay Field showed victims showering praises on Caritas Freetown amidst tears falling from their eyes. Just after the brief talk Caritas Freetown went into action dishing out food to victims.
Special Jollof rice was cooked on Pray Day for the people at Susan’s Bay marking the end of Hot Meal for the fire victims.
