Vt10 Million from China to Gov’t for Volcano Victims

The Government of China has announced its assistance of Vt10million towards the relief and recovery of the people on Ambae, whose homes and gardens have been destroyed by volcanic ash.
The Acting Prime Minister (PM) and Minister of Education and Training (MOET), Jean Pierre Nirua, handed the Vt10 million relief cheque to the Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Finance, Letlet August, yesterday afternoon after receiving it from China’s Ambassador to Vanuatu, Liu Quan.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the volcano,” said Ambassador Liu.
“I have been following the situation very closely. I sought help from our government to help the victims in a way which can help alleviate their pain”.
China and Vanuatu shared a fast growing relationship, he said.
“I regarded Vanuatu as my second home,” Ambassador Liu told the Acting PM.
“Your government has done a great job responding to last year’s eruption. It is doing a great work now thus, i believe the people will overcome the challenge.”
Acting PM Nirua thanked China for being the first donor country to offer humanitarian relief in cash, to assist Vanuatu Government’s efforts in addressing the impacts of the devastating ash fall on Ambae.
He applauded the relationship Vanuatu has with China at the same time, also called onto other donor countries for help.
He assured the government of China, through Ambassador Quan, that the Government of Vanuatu will spend the money on recovery efforts for affected families on Ambae.
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MOFEM) is largely in control of any relief aid or public money during a state of emergency.
The MOFEM will authorize any relief expenditure, following requests from the National Disaster Management Office.
Source By Anita Roberts –  http://dailypost.vu/