Senegal: Solidarity after the fire
January 3, 2010. A fire starts in the village of Tenkoto, in the Kedougou region, Senegal. A fire with such violence had never occurred in this region. In a few minutes the whole village was destroyed: 400 huts were burned, 3 women died and more than 7,000 people were injured and homeless. How to prevent a similar disaster from happening again?
Our Group, through the ArcelorMittal Foundation, is helping rebuild the village. It was initially composed of straw huts and precarious housing. This contributed to rapidly spread the fire.
Our Group’s donation of 10 millions CFA (21,400 US dollars) as requested by the Senegalese government, will contribute to reconstruct the village, this time with safe and sustainable houses.
With the collaboration of other mining companies, funds were raised and will be managed by a committee for transparency.
The mining delegation in charge of the fund raising, local authorities and population expressed their gratitude to our Group. Our colleagues on the spot say they are proud to rebuild a safer Tenkoto.
Collaboration: Oumhany Sy, Corporate Responsibility, ArcelorMittal Senegal
Picture: One child in front of his burned house (tambacounda infos)
2 comments
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January 28th, 2010 by Marisa Alonso
thank-you for covering stories like this. I know that ArcelorMittal is helping all over the world and we are not always aware of AM’s helping hands and generous pockets. Makes you proud to belond to AM’s family and hopefully it inspires us to make a difference no matter how small.
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January 29th, 2010 by Oumhany SY
Hi Marisa
Thank you for your comment. In Kedougou (Senegal) AM is recognized as an example of solidarity with communities, that’s increase our brand and makes a difference.
In fact, even our social actions seems small, their impact is considerable in the daily life of communities. We allowed people to access to potable water, health care and education despite our reduced budget.
We would like to continue in this way and are committed to do our best for.
Yours ideas and kind support will be usefull!
Thank you again
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