BajaNews - 8-27-2010 at 06:46 PM
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/aug/26/us-help-for-m...
By Sandra Dibble
August 26, 2010
TIJUANA—Five months after their homes were damaged by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, some Baja California residents can expect help from the U.S. federal
government. The U.S. Agency for International Development this month donated $100,000 to purchase building materials for victims of the Mexicali
earthquake that struck last Easter Sunday.
Carlos Pascual, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, said in a statement that the funds would be channeled through the Baja California government and earmarked
for residents of communities near the quake’s epicenter in the Mexicali Valley that have suffered the greatest devastation.
Baja California authorities said this week that the money is being used to purchase building materials: 7000 bags of cement mix, 4.000 ledges of
timber and 2150 pieces of plywood. The money will help residents with damaged houses who have yet to receive government assistance, said Juan Jose
Sanchez, who heads the Mexicali office of the Baja California state housing agency, Indivi.
“It’s going to help a lot,” Sanchez said. The money will be used to supplement existing housing assistance programs aimed at residents whose houses
were damaged, but not completely destroyed, he said. He expects the materials to reach residents next month.
Juan Tintos, head of public relations for the Baja California government, said Sempra Energy has also donated over $100,000 to purchase equipment for
the Mexicali Civil Protection Office, and repair the General Hospital, which suffered damage in the quake.
DENNIS - 8-27-2010 at 06:54 PM
100,000 bucks doesn't sound like much. I wonder how much of that will actually get where it belongs.
doradodan - 8-27-2010 at 07:16 PM
I bet mone of it goes to the victims. Brand new car and vacation for the recievor of funds
BajaBlanca - 8-27-2010 at 08:32 PM
I agree. no way is it going to cement etc. Instead of money, they might have at least tried by donating goods instead - which isn't a guarantee either
.... Such a shame that we have all become so cynical.