Humanitarian Relief Supplies delivered to Cha-Ab

by Edward Artis and Walt Ratterman, Knightsbridge International

During the weekend of November 10-11, 2001, a joint effort of Knightsbridge International, Afghanistan Relief International, and Tzu Chi Foundation successfully delivered over 40 tons of supplies to the town of Cha-Aab in Northern Afghanistan.

Cha-Ab is a village located about 4 hours' drive east of Khoja-Baldeen, and has recently seen a large influx of refugees fleeing the oppression and war created by the Taliban. Due to its location, this town has not been visited by an NGO group delivering aid for 4 years.

The supplies delivered included 30 tons of wheat, 5 tons of sugar, 5 tons of cooking oil, and 1,000 blankets. Each family was given a 1-month allotment of food and one blanket. Approximately 1/3 of the food and half of the blankets were retained by the mayor of the town for use as payment for "work-for-food" programs. This town is very organized with its public work projects and infrastructure improvements. The food will assist in continuing development of the town.