ECOWAS Provides US$725,000 to Support Disaster-Affected Families

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Humanitarian Department, has approved a grant of US$725,000 to support disaster-affected families and strengthen waste management efforts in Liberia. The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS), in partnership with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), will implement the project, which seeks to boost community resilience and provide urgent relief to vulnerable populations impacted by disasters across the country. As part of the project, US$455,000 will be allocated for mobile money cash transfers to assist 1,820 families affected by natural and man-made disasters in 2024. The cash-based support aims to help families meet their basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare, as they recover from crisis events. The remaining funds will be used to support waste management initiatives in disaster-prone and high-risk communities, improve sanitation, and reduce the health risks associated with poor waste disposal. This includes awareness campaigns, community cleanup drives, and support to local authorities for sustainable waste management practices. Speaking on behalf of ECOWAS, a representative from the regional bloc’s Humanitarian Department reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to standing with member states in times of need. “This support is part of our ongoing effort to promote human security, reduce disaster vulnerability, and improve the wellbeing of our people,” the representative noted. The President of the Liberia National Red Cross Society, Mr. Emmanuel Kparh, welcomed the support and praised ECOWAS for its timely intervention. “We are grateful to ECOWAS for this critical funding, which will directly improve the lives of many families and strengthen Liberia’s disaster response and recovery systems,” he stated. The project is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with beneficiaries selected through a transparent and community-driven process led by the Red Cross and NDMA.