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Ambassador David Ashley Empowers Cyclone Recovery

  A Region in Distress

In a significant visit to the disaster-stricken region of Ikongo in southeastern Madagascar, a delegation from the UK Embassy, led by Ambassador David Ashley, sought to understand the impact of British government support on the community. This region bore the brunt of Cyclone Batsirai last year, resulting in the tragic loss of nearly one hundred lives due to devastating mudslides. The cyclone wreaked havoc on already fragile infrastructure, causing extensive damage to roads, schools, medical centers, and homes. Furthermore, the destruction of fields, crops, and trees plunged the area into a severe state of hunger, which continues to haunt residents to this day.   A Glimpse of Hope Last week, Ambassador David Ashley, accompanied by a British Embassy team, visited the hardest-hit areas of southern Ikongo, where the scars of Cyclone Batsirai remain. Their mission was to witness the transformative impact of British government support in a region known for its persistent poverty and difficult accessibility. This crucial assistance was channeled through the UK-based charity, Feedback Madagascar, in collaboration with their Malagasy partners, Ny Tanintsika, as well as the World Food Programme (WFP).  

Rebuilding Lives and Infrastructure

In collaboration with the District Chief, Ambassador Ashley inaugurated a significant bridge at Ifanirea, a structure reconstructed with British funding. The delegation also inspected 21 schools in the region, where they had rebuilt the roofs, offering hope for students and teachers alike. The British Embassy team explored rugged terrain, hiking and wading across rivers to reach the two new medical centers (CSB2) in Ankarimbelo, funded by the UK.   Aiding the Hungry and the Hopeful During the visit, the Ambassador held discussions with the Governor of Fitovinany, local authorities, and the regional WFP office. Local residents recounted how WFP food aid, partly financed by the UK, played a pivotal role in alleviating food shortages during the darkest days of the crisis. The delegation also met with farmers who, with support from Feedback Madagascar, accessed seeds to plant new crops, offering a glimmer of hope on the horizon. In the spirit of International Day of the Girl, Ambassador Ashley engaged with a group of girls aged 12 to 14 in Ankarimbelo, providing a platform for them to share their experiences, hopes, and concerns for the future.  

Ambassador's Reflections

After his three-day visit, Ambassador David Ashley expressed his gratitude for the warm reception from the communities in Ifanirea, Antodinga, and Ankarimbelo. He proudly noted that British government assistance has played a vital role in enabling these communities to recover from the devastation of the cyclone and rebuild their lives. However, Ambassador Ashley also acknowledged the enduring challenges in this beautiful yet challenging-to-access part of the country, still grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Batsirai even after 20 months. There remains significant work ahead, including improving roads, enhancing conditions in schools, and addressing persistent hunger. Conversations with the girls in Ankarimbelo reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that all children have access to free, quality primary and secondary education to help them unlock their full potential. The Ambassador expressed his deep appreciation for the dedication of their partners, including Feedback Madagascar, Ny Tanintsika, and WFP. He also acknowledged the cooperation of local authorities, who played an instrumental role in accompanying the delegation during their visit.   Sources: THX News & British Embassy Antananarivo. Read the full article