Barentu — The UN Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs in Eritrea, Mr. Macleod Nyrongo, said that over 16,000 Eritrean families in the Gash-Barka region, who were displaced due to the TPLF regime's war of aggression, have now returned to their respective homes and are leading better lives thanks to their vigorous efforts and the support extended to them.

Speaking at an annual assessment meeting concerning the situation of the IDPs and Eritrean deportees from Ethiopia, Mr. Macleod noted that the rehabilitation program has produced fruitful outcomes due to the relentless endeavors exerted by the Eritrean government and the dedication of IDPs, and not because of foreign assistance. He further indicated that the Eritrean government, in coordination with development partners, is working diligently to enable the families to become self-supporting and productive and, thereby, lead a secure life.

The Administrator of the Gash-Barka region, Mr. Kahsai Gebrehiwet, explained that the rehabilitated families are now in a position of self-sufficiency thanks to the necessary assistance extended to them, coupled with this year's satisfactory rainfall.

Reports presented at the meeting indicated that about 181 million Nakfa has been disbursed to provide different social services to the IDPs who were able to return to their homes in the villages of Shilalo, Mai-Kokah, Sheshebit, Omhajer, Barentu, Golij, Tebeldia, Adihanki, Girma, Shihat, Fawlina, Elala Adi-Maeleya, and others from the makeshift camps of Adi-Keshi, Adeba'are, Tolegamja, and Dembedoran, among others.

The rehabilitation and assistance program will continue in 2008 until the remaining tasks of implementing water supply projects and constructing residential houses are finalized, the reports added.