Bahrain's tsunami aid plan on track

BAHRAIN will complete its tsunami aid projects in Thailand and Indonesia by the middle of the year, it has been revealed.

The Government completed its aid projects in Sri Lanka and the Maldives last year. The projects were executed through the Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS) by the government, which allocated funds for projects to be built in the name of Bahrain in all four countries.

Sri Lanka and the Maldives were among the countries worst hit by the devastating tsunami on December 26, 2004, explained BRCS secretary-general Sadiq Al Shehabi.

We visited all the four countries in 2005 and discussed their needs with government officials and the International Committee of Red Cross representatives," he told the GDN.

The first project - a centre for people with special needs - was built in the Maldives last year at a cost of $300,000 (BD113,100). It consists of 32 rooms and can accommodate 64 people. Last year, Bahrain handed over 14 houses it built for tsunami victims in Sri Lanka at a cost of $300,000.

Gulf Daily News