By Tata Mbunwe
Families of the victims who tragically lost their lives in the Mbankolo landslide on October 8, 2023, have received official clearance to collect and bury the remains of their loved ones from the government mortuary.
The announcement was made January 4 during a working session held by the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Mfoundi, Mariel Emmanuel Djikdent, with the families of the victims.
The meeting also conveyed the directive that all survivors currently residing in the temporary government shelter must evacuate.
The SDO emphasized that after January 5, the government would no longer cover mortuary bills for any corpse still present at the mortuary, except for those whose families reside at a considerable distance.
During the session, Mr Djikdent coordinated the distribution of financial support provided by President Paul Biya to assist the bereaved families in conducting proper burials for their loved ones and securing new residences.
He emphasized that the financial aid is specifically intended for organizing dignified funerals and obtaining new housing.
“The support from the head of state is not to be used for something else. It’s just to organize a benefiting burial for the departed. I don’t want to get any complaints again that someone dies and you want to share the money,” cautioned Djikdent.
He specifically addressed disagreements among family members regarding the allocation of President Biya’s donation.
Numerous families and survivors attended the working session, with some expressing relief at the prospect of finally burying their loved ones after enduring the aftermath of the disaster.
“I’m happy because I will finally bury my son in the village despite the situation we have endured. I will give him a befitting burial,” said a man who lost his son.
While the tragic incident claimed 28 lives, according to official statistics, three persons, including a pregnant woman, remain missing.
The Ministry of Territorial Administration, responsible for the government’s disaster management unit, disclosed that President Biya has disbursed FCFA 92 million, intended to be shared among 56 affected families.
Handing the money to some survivors on Wednesday, Center Regional Governor, Naseri Paul Bea, urged them to utilize the funds judiciously, emphasizing the importance of arranging dignified funerals for the deceased.
He also said the money will help them in “relocating from high-risk areas, and securing suitable residences”.
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