Ad hoc food donations lead to wastage while the needy remain unattended

• Food distributions by the government and tri-forces have been calculated and targeted at people identified as in need

By Huzefa Aliasger and Pranavesh Sivakumar 

Several pictures circulating on social media and complaints from locals residing in flood-affected areas reveal that food distributions by independent donors have been conducted in an ad hoc manner, without assessing the situation or determining the exact number of people who require food. 

Enraged locals say that “food was brought in the morning and due to the high inflow of donations, food donations have been in excess and have been left lying in the road as trash.”  

According to Mr Pradeep Kodippili, Director of Public Awareness at the Disaster Management Centre, food distributions by the government and tri-forces have been calculated and targeted at people identified as in need. Therefore, wastage is minimal from government relief donations. 

Mr Kodippili says that independent donors should donate to officially approved groups by the government to avoid mismanagement of resources. The distribution done by independent groups is limited due to the inaccessibility of certain areas; therefore, by donating to the government, the public can help in sending food to people who are still stranded in vulnerable areas, which will be delivered by the tri-forces. 

Locals say that many areas still require dry rations, medicines, baby items, and cleaning supplies therefore, requested to remain mindful of wastage and spread donations evenly throughout the island to avoid excess and lack of donations in locations.