“I have come to tell you that you are not alone in this time of difficulty. The entire nation is with you and I have ordered the government to mobilise and provide the support you need,” President Paul Biya said in Garoua yesterday September 19, 2012 as he addressed those affected by recent floods in Garoua and its environs. President Biya’s declaration was the highpoint of a 24-hour visit that the Presidential Couple paid to Garoua to console those rendered homeless by recent floods in Garoua. The Head of State and First Lady Chantal Biya who arrived the capital of the North Region yesterday by 11:47 am, drove round town to see the damage caused by the floods before telling the afflicted population what message he had for them.
At Garoua III where the floods destroyed crops, houses, and livestock, President Biya and First Lady, Chantal Biya walked along the River Benoué for over one hundred metres to have a close look at the extent of the disaster. He listened to explanations from the Governor of the North Region, Otto Wilson Joseph who has been at the centre of the floods since the torrential rains of August 21, 2012 that led to the disaster. The Head of State then gave instructions and directives on what the local authorities need to continue doing as they manage the damages caused by the floods.
First Lady Chantal Biya who won much appreciation from the excited population in Garoua also took time to return the civility of the people by waving at them while giving an ear to what the Head of State was being told about the floods.
From Garoua III where mostly property was destroyed, the Presidential motorcade drove for about four kilometres to the Health District where the United Nations High Commission for Refugees had set up tents to harbour some of the victims. The time spent with the victims by the Presidential couple was quite significant President Biya not only showed compassion but told them what the State was doing and still had to do for them.
In an impromptu speech, the Head of State told the victims that he was happy to meet a population that is still strong enough after such a disaster. He announced the creation of a National Solidarity Fund to cater for the flood victims, adding that those in Garoua should be sure to have a good fraction of government assistance meant for them. He urged those affected by the deluge to be strong as the roads and houses destroyed will be reconstructed.
Most of the over three thousand flood victims in Garoua spread out in three temporary sites assembled at the Health district located in the neighbourhood of Takasco in Garoua to meet the Head of State and Wife, Chantal Biya. Joy and satisfaction could be read on their faces as they listened to the consoling words of the Head of State. They clapped and cheered at every announcement made by the President to them.
The solemnity of the event was evident from the President’s arrival at the airport where the only protocol arrangements were the welcome of the Presidential Couple by the constituted corps. After the handshakes, the Presidential motorcade immediately headed downtown Garoua.
On his return from Logdo by 3:15pm, President Paul Biya and wife, Chantal spent a few minutes for protocol arrangements that gave room for another solemn farewell ceremony from Garoua despite the burning desire by most of the inhabitants who would have loved the Presidential Couple to stay beyond the 24-hour visit.
