Due to flooding, some residents of Bongor District, Chad moved to Mayo Boney Forest in November 2012. Their living conditions in the temporary site have started to deteriorate as access to drinking water was difficult, food provision was scarce, non-food supplies were not available and access to health care was difficult. Moreover, the constant cutting of trees for firewood and construction of temporary housing by the new settlers caused environmental damage.

In response, the authorities of Mayo Kebi East Region – in coordination with the Ministries of Territorial Administration and Social Affairs and the Chadian Red Cross, and with support of the IOM German-funded project for flood affected persons – addressed the humanitarian needs of the flood-affected families. IOM provided health care services and were provided with non-food items (bed mats, mosquito nets, blankets, cooking utensils, skin protection paste, toothpaste and soap) in January 2013.

In February 2013, the authorities identified a new site to resettle displaced families still living in Mayo Boney Forest. The land was divided into plots with the support of IOM. Additionally, IOM drilled two wells at the new site and provided transportation for the families from the forest to the new site (Darkawaye). In total, 130 families (approximately 1,000 persons) benefited from this operation that took place from 21 to 23 February 2013. The Governor of Mayo Kebi East, the advisor to the head of Coordination Nationale de Soutien aux Activités Humanitaires et au Détachement Intégré de Sécurité (CONSAHDIS) and IOM Chief of Mission and national media witnessed the relocation exercise.

Contact:

Dr. Qasim Sufi 
Chief of Mission, IOM Chad
Office: +235 22 52 53 59/60 (Ext. 111)
Mobile: +235 62 90 06 74
Fax: +235 22 52 53 61
Email: qsufi@iom.int