Residents of Chechnya treat authorities' help during Ramadan as insignificant

Over 40,000 foodstuff sets were given out to residents of Chechnya during the month of Ramadan. However, the locals believe that the food help provided by the authorities fails to reach all those in need.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told at the office of the head and government of Chechnya that needy families from all the districts of the republic received 45,000 foodstuff sets.

"During the month of Ramadan, 45,000 foodstuff sets with bread, milk, cereals, sugar, salt, and chicken meat were distributed among low-income families living in our republic. This food was provided to residents of all municipalities and cities of the republic," said a source from the above office.

However, the locals interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent believe that the food help provided by the authorities fails to reach all those in need, and its volumes are not so large as to solve the problems of those who need it.

"Local TV news reported that 1500 foodstuff sets were sent to each district; but for some reason I received nothing," said Aset, a local woman, who alone brings up three daughters. According to her story, the family lives in a rented apartment on her pension. "We survive only thanks to the help of our relatives, but not of the authorities," she asserts.

"Officials of local administration brought a foodstuff set to us; it contained a small chicken, two loaves of bread, milk, rice and sugar – enough for one or two days maximum," said Tamara, another local resident. According to her story, she, together with her two children, lives on her salary of 12,000 roubles and a pension; this money is barely enough to buy food, pay utility bills and buy some clothes.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.