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Lack of coordination affects relief distribution


Bangladeshpost
Published : 02 Apr 2020 09:15 PM | Updated : 07 Sep 2020 03:15 PM

The distribution of relief materials among low-income people, whose livelihood has been badly affected due to the lockdown amid the coronavirus spread, is facing mismanagement for lack of coordination among the aid providers. Different government and non-government agencies, social organisations and people from all walks of life have come forward to extend their helping hand to lowincome people and day-labourers.

People at the field level said some people are getting relief materials from different organisations and individuals, but some others from none. They said social distance, an effective way to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is not being maintained during the relief material distribution, leaving a negative effect on the government’s efforts to contain the pathogen.

Against such a backdrop, people concerned have suggested distribution of relief goods through proper coordination for a balanced supply of goods to all poor people and for ensuring that the virus does not spread during relief distribution. State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Enamur Rahman admitted the mismanagement in relieve material distribution.

“We too have seen worse situation. That’s why I have already talked with the Army and deputy commissioners in many districts. We’ve instructed them to distribute relief goods systematically,” he told Bangladesh Post. “We’ve said that if anyone wants to help, they have to deposit the relief to the deputy commissioner's fund. The deputy commissioner will distribute it house-to-house as per list. MPs will oversee it,” he added.

The junior minister, who is a doctor by training, said systematic relief distribution will help maintain social distance and contribute to combating coronavirus disease. Many people have taken to Facebook and others social media sites to vent their concern over the chaotic and risky distribution of relief goods.

“Relief is being distributed. [It’s] good... But do you understand that you’re risking their lives!!! If you spread coronavirus to anyone with relief by not maintaining social distance, then it will be a massacre...” Soma Islam, a journalist, wrote on her Facebook page. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Shafiqul Islam told Bangladesh Post that they are swinging into action wherever any chaos is taking place.

He said many people are contacting police for help in distributing relief materials and urged others to follow them for relief distribution without chaos and mismanagement. According to Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, it has allocated around 40,000 tonnes of relief materials in different districts.