Tomorrow, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) will meet residents of Mahdia to discuss the use and distribution of the relief fund, which was established by the association following the recent fire which devastated the community.

According to a release from the body, the meeting between executive members of the body and residents will take place at Ram’s Shop (Desert Storm) at 11 am.

The main objective of the meeting is to determine how the money raised can be used to meet the needs of the residents.

The “Mahdia Relief Fund” was established on July 1, with the specific purpose to assist miners and members of the mining community of Mahdia. To date the fund has raised over $10 million but more than half of this money has already been distributed to the affected families via the Mahdia Mining Committee.

A stockpile of timber donated by the association has also been mobilized. The association has also received commitments from several other companies.

President of the GGDMA Fred Mc Wilfred said the efforts of the association will be conducted in collaboration with the residents, local and regional agencies and in keeping with national relief efforts.

The association has also committed to buying a fire tender for the area; this will ensure that Mahdia is equipped to deal with the responsibility of any similar disaster,” the release said.

Persons interested in contributing to the fund can contact the GGDMA at its Lot 29 North Road office or on telephone number 225-2217 or fax 225-1828.

A large portion of the mining community of Mahdia was destroyed on June 30, when fire ravaged several businesses and homes of residents.  As many as 150 persons have been left homeless.