December 26, 2024 El-Geneina – Darfur24 Residents of West Darfur State are anxiously awaiting the end of the Bakeries Support Project implemented by Norwegian Refugee Council, which provided bread at subsidized prices, amid fears of rising prices.
A number of citizens in El-Geneina, the capital of West Darfur State, expressed their concerns about potential increases in food prices with the end of the Bakeries Support Project period that began in early last September.
The project is set to end at this current December, and has been operating in the localities of El-Geneina, Kirainek and Sirba. It contributed to 50% reduction in bread prices, lowering the price of 10 loaves from 2,000 Sudanese Pounds to 1,000 pounds.
The Bakeries Support Project, implemented by Norwegian Refugee Council in both West and Central Darfur States, is one of the largest projects implemented by a foreign organization in the region and had a direct relationship with alleviating the burdens of living on citizens in West Darfur State.
William Carter, the Country Director of Norwegian Refugee Council, visited El- Geneina to monitor the progress of the project, which is considered the largest of its kind implemented by foreign organizations. During the visit, he evaluated the performance, discussed vital priorities and needs.
Residents who spoke to “Darfur 24” said that the project contributed to a decrease in food prices and an improvement in living standards.
A bakery owner told “Darfur 24” that the Norwegian Refugee Council Organization provided flour to bakeries according to their required quantities, while the bakeries covered labor costs and other consumables, with bread being sold at half the price.
He noted that the project led to plentiful supply of bread, even during late hours, at a unified price.
Hussein Ali Hussein, a leader of El Geneina People’s Initiative, called for the necessity of continuing the project as it contributed to stabilizing living conditions and the return of many who were forced to flee by war and its woes.
He added in a statement to “Darfur 24” that “bread has become affordable for citizens throughout the past period, thanks to the project that provided flour to all bakeries.”
For his part, the Head of Civil Administration in West Darfur State, Tijani Al-Tahir Karshoom, confirmed that the Norwegian Council has contributed greatly to providing service projects that address the actual needs of citizens.
Karshoom said that the Bakery Support Project is one of the most successful projects and has contributed significantly to alleviating the burdens of living.
Meanwhile, sources told “Darfur 24” that the Norwegian Refugee Council has actually begun studying the possibility of extending the project period, but after conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the past period.