The Ministry of Social Affairs has given SR70 million to charities involved in providing aid to flood victims. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, Minister of Social Affairs, said part of the money was given as additional financial aid to the charities. This was to cover for direct financial aid they had provided to victims and freight expenses for foodstuffs they had shipped to affected areas. The money had been provided following his meeting Tuesday with Ali Al-Hanaki, Director General of the Social Affairs department in Makkah. He said the ministry would hold a workshop for the charitable societies in Jeddah next week to overcome any shortcomings and deficiencies they may have in their services. The occasion will also be used to exchange experiences between members. The workshop is being organized in collaboration with various civil society institutions and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He said Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah Region, would honor charitable societies and volunteers for their efforts to alleviate the suffering of flood victims. Al-Hanaki said the minister has asked the Orphans, Disabled and Social Insurance sections to help affected families. People who lost their source of income would also be assisted, with the help of the Credit Fund, Human Resources Development Fund, Centennial Fund and Labor Office in Jeddah. Al-Hanaki said the Jeddah disaster is a ‘Divine Will' that would help to resolve many issues, particularly “Misk Lake,” which poses a threat to all the residents in the city. The disaster will also serve to root out corruption; and serves as a warning that King Abdullah, Custodian of the Holy Mosques, will not allow any act of negligence to go unpunished. Al-Othaimeen said his ministry would reply to its critics with deeds and words.
