The Mineral Resource Development Company (MRDC) presented K10, 000 in cash plus three huge boxes of gifts to families who lost their livelihood in a fire that tore through Hanuabada Village in August.

MRDC External Affairs and Sustainable Development General Manager Imbi Tagune and his MRDC staff, on behalf of Managing Director, Augustine Mano presented the donation to community representatives Dadi Toka Junior and Samuel B Lohia in the presence of some of the victims of the fire.

Boxes containing donations made by MRDC staff being moved to the relief centre to be distributed.

In presenting the cash and the gift boxes, Tagune said: “I know the feeling. Today, I feel for those who have been victimised by the fire that swept away their belongings. I felt the same feeling when I lost everything I loved in a similar situation.

“Please have some compassion and give yourself time to go through and you will rise up. The city, country and everyone are with you. Today, we take comfort in God alone.

“I encourage you that what you made or what made you, including your treasurers, things you keep that you loved including your memorabilia, have all turned to ashes but these are replaceable so take comfort in God. The country is with you and you will rise up,” Mr. Tagune said.

Toka thanked MRDC for the support given to the victims.“We’ve had a lot of support so far. We’ve made sure the process in receiving the support has been transparent not just for the village but for the victims. They will be putting up a home at some stage,” Toka Junior said.

Above and below: Ruins of the fire than engulfed the Hanuabada village on 19 August 2017.

External Affairs GM Imbi Tagune in blue speaking to the Hanuabada Fire Appeal committee.] GM External Affairs Imbi Tagune in blue speaking to the Hanuabada Fire Appeal committee