AN International oil and gas exploration company, Ophir Energy, has donated relief aid of flour and cement worth 13.2 million to victims of recent floods in Mtwara municipality.

The Ophir Energy Government Relations Manager, Mr Fidelis Lekule, said the company was touched by the problems caused by floods. He said the donation comprises 280 bags of maize flour and 300 bags of cement to help in the rehabilitation of destroyed schools and infrastructure including culverts and drainage system.

Receiving the donation, the Mtwara District Commissioner, Mr Wilman Kapenjama Ndile, thanked Ophir Energy for the timely humanitarian assistance. DC Ndile said the floods were caused by heavy downpour last month and records show it was the heaviest in 30 years.

He said: "Available statistics have it that about 7,000 residents were seriously affected by the floods, 210 houses were completely collapsed, whereas 385 others were affected in one way or the other."

DC Ndile said his office would soon design and present certificates of appreciation to all stakeholders who expressed their support to Mtwara residents during this time of the catastrophe, including Ophir.

A disabled Mtwara resident who represented a section of flood victims at the brief handing over event, Mohammed Omari, thanked the Ophir Energy for the opportune assistance, which has come through the District Commissioner's office.