TANZANIA: Mkombozi Bank Shows Solidarity with Hanang Disaster Victims
Sarah Pelaji
Mkombozi Commercial Bank of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) has rendered support for construction materials to victims of mudslides from the Hanang mountains that occurred on December 3, 2023 in the small town of Katesh.
This happened recently in Hanang located at Northern zone of Tanzania.
The aim is to show solidarity to the community especially those who are homeless to build news houses.
Among the equipment they provided are house paints, roller and hand brushes. Speaking about this in Hanang District, the Bank’s Executive Director, Respige Kimati said that their bank belongs to the people for it is being owned by parishes, dioceses and individuals who a non-Catholic, so the bank has the responsibility to engage on community issues especially in challenging situations caused by disasters.
“We join hands with Tanzanians to hold hands of the victims here in Hanang ensuring that they have the humanitarian needs especially residence and get back to the normal life they had before the distaster,” he said.
He thanked the government at all levels for close solidarity with the Mkombozi Commercial Bank in the provision of their services, and promised to continue to involve themselves in the government activities to bring development to the people.
“We are very happy today to hand over these building materials to the office of the Head of this District of Hanang, as our support so that you can reach all the citizens who have been affected by the disaster,” he said and added
“We offer our condolences to those affected by the calamity who lost their relatives and friends Mkombozi Bank looks at and deals with all types of customers. We have prioritized small customers including rural ones and built a network that will strengthen their provision of banking services, ‘ he said
After receiving the donation, the District Commissioner of Hanang District, Janeth Mayanja, thanked the management of the bank for coming to them to offer condolences to the victims and to provide them with construction materials that will help in the ongoing activities of building the houses of the victims.
She said that construction of approximately 108 houses is expected to commence soon, while various infrastructures have been completed in the area, including water, electricity and road infrastructure.
“We thank Mkombozi Bank for the close solidarity shown to us with your love. Hanang continues to return to its original state step by step,” he said and added.
“President Samia has decided to build these 108 houses, a school and a health center for these victims. One of her priorities is the construction of the houses so that citizens who are homeless get residence,” she said.
She requested management of the Mkombozi bank to consider how it can support farmers and businessmen in raising their economy.
”We know that there is no Mkombozi Bank branch in Hang, so we welcome you because there are Tanzanians who need your services,” she emphasized.
The disaster occurred on Sunday morning of December 3, 2023 in the small town of Katesh and the nearby neighborhoods of Jorodom, Ganans, Katesh and Dumbeta as well as the villages of Gendabi and Sarijandu.
