March 19, 2024

TUM Cushions Slum Families With Relief Food

Technical University of Mombasa Vice Chancellor Prof Laila Abubakar giving out relief food to one of the beneficiaries living in informal settlements in Tudor. Image. PETER KOMBE

By PETER KOMBE
Email: thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Over 100 families living in informal settlements in Tudor Sub County have benefitted from COVID-19 relief food donated by the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM).

The program according to TUM Vice chancellor Prof. Laila Abubakar targets over 1000 families living in informal settlements adjacent to the institution.
Prof Abubakar says the initiative is part of giving back to society as the country battles with the coronavirus.
The vice chancellor was addressing the media at the University premises Wednesday during the launch of the initiative which she revealed will be rolled out in phases as long as the pandemic persists.
“As an institution other than providing education, our role is to take care of our neighbors and that is the community around us,” she pointed out.
The donations include; maize flour, wheat flour, beans, salt, rice, cooking oil, bar soap and tissue paper
The VC applauded efforts by the county government in combating the spread of the coronavirus.
“Since the first case was announced in this country, our partnerships with the county government have seen us donate our engineering block to act as an isolation center.

TUM Vice Chancellor Prof. Laila Abubakar flanked by a section of the staff during a media briefing on Wednesday. Image: PETER KOMBE

She also revealed that university students in the institution have been at the forefront in combating the spread of the pandemic through their innovations.
“Our students and lectures have also been working together to make disinfectant spraying booths which are now used in various stations,” she noted.
Prof. Laila adds that the institution will soon unveil a newly innovated ventilator to assist in the war against the disease.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries who spoke on condition of anonymity said business is on its deathbed.
The source further adds that the pandemic has led to massive job losses but also impoverished dozens of families

“Covid 19 has brought discipline in this country. We now know the importance of adhering to all health guidelines,” the source said.
According to the source, wearing face masks, and maintaining social distance is the new norm amongst many Kenyans.

Prof. Laila Abubakar addressing the media at the University’s premises on Wednesday. Image: PETER KOMBE

As a mitigation measure, the county government partnered with TUM to launch a 300 bed capacity isolation centre at the university’s engineering block.
The  centre handles patients with mild and moderate symptoms of coronavirus whereas the coast province general hospital handles severe cases.

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