DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) has launched a new project to provide agricultural machinery in Arara, under a QR22.63m grant by Qatar to develop and rebuild West Darfur.
The project involves distribution of tractors, Chisel plows, and harvesters and is estimated to serve up to 28,000 workers.
This is part of QRC’s QR3.65m economic empowerment programme to support poor families by enhancing their productive abilities and training them in agriculture, ranching, handicrafts and income-generating projects.
Besides establishing and operating a model services complex in Arara, QRC plans more projects in Darfur, including the operation of a health centre in Serpa to serve nearly 20,000 people and other relief, water, environmental sanitation, and health projects.
The agricultural project launch was attended by local community leaders and the public, who the contribution to the region’s economy.
They also praised Qatar’s efforts to establish peace and security in West Darfur through development and reconstruction projects as part of 2011 Doha Agreement.
Since 2003, QRC has been extending help to victims of Darfur conflict, implementing humanitarian projects, especially in the wake of the crisis and the influx of internally displaced persons into major cities and displacement camps in remote areas.
Early in 2009, QRC opened a representative office in West Darfur to supervise its healthcare, water and sanitation and disaster management projects.
In May 2010, QRC’s activities were expanded with support from Qatar government, which initially gave QR4m for humanitarian initiatives.
Recently, QRC has focused on early recovery and encouragement of voluntary return. Ten artesian wells were dug and equipped with manual pumps to provide clean drinking water for returnees in three towns.
Other activities included a sewage project in Geneina and food package distributions in Abu Naima town. The Peninsula
