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Corporate social responsibility

In the aftermath of Gonu, the government agencies were out in full swing, getting things back to normal at a pace unprecedented elsewhere. On their part, corporate houses also helped victims to string their lives back together. A look at what some of them did
BusinessToday reports

BankMuscat
BankMuscat has pledged to contribute RO3mn towards the rehabilitation of Cyclone Gonu victims across the sultanate. The amount, to be made available over the next 12 months, is to be divided between the Ministry of Social Development (RO2mn) and the Oman Charitable Organization (RO1mn). Says Sheikh AbdulMalik al Khalili, chairman, BankMuscat, "There are several organisations playing an extremely meaningful role in trying to support the people who have been affected. These include the Ministry of Social Development and the Oman Charitable Organization, which have been working round the clock to reach out to people nationwide. We are confident that they will ensure that the monies are deployed in the right manner and reach those who can benefit from it the most."

Saud Bahwan Group (SBG)
The Saud Bahwan Charitable Foundation provided direct financial assistance to over 130,000 families to help repair their shelters and for procuring essential survival and food items. In Sur, SBG supplied more than 20 high-capacity container trucks packed with food and essential items including rice, flour, milk, water, oil, and sugar, among other items. Says Sheikh Saud Bahwan, "We have spared no effort to help and reach out to our Omani brethren in the affected areas. Many of the poor were affected with floodwaters entering their homes and damaging furniture and personal belongings. We have provided relief in various forms." The automobile group has also worked out a special package for its Omani employees who have suffered losses. Several employees hailing from Quriyat, Amerat, Qurum, Ghubrah, Seeb, Barka and Sur areas were affected and they have been provided with assistance and soft loans on easy repayment terms at zero interest rates.

The National Bank of Abu Dhabi
The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) contributed RO100,000 in cash to the Cyclone Victims Relief Fund established by His Majesty. A press release from the bank said NBAD would continue to adhere to its corporate social responsibilities and support its customers and the people of Oman in difficult times.

Oman Mobile

Oman Mobile waived charges on all calls, both local and international, made on June 6, 7 and 8. Also, 20,000 'Hayyak' cards (prepaid cards) with RO4 of credit were assigned as free credit for all subscribers. Oman Mobile has allocated 4,000 mobile phones to be dispensed and distributed among the victims. These were distributed with the assistance and coordination of their Excellencies the walis of the areas and government relief agencies, to citizens in that particular area.Oman Mobile also sent a convoy of its cars with necessary provisions including clothes, food and beverages, to the affected areas.

Nawras
Nawras constituted goodwill convoys comprising its employees to extend assistance to those in the affected areas. The teams handed out supplies of drinking water, fresh fruit and fruit juices, plus Nawras recharge cards. Says COO Khalid al Mahmoud, "The goodwill mission is an important commitment for us. We have supported the public not only in terms of donations but also in terms of providing reliable mobile services for customers." Nawras also gave each of its more than 700,000 customers RO2 credit soon after the cyclone.

National Bank of Oman (NBO)
National Bank of Oman (NBO) formed a group of volunteers to help carry out relief operations for those affected in different parts of the sultanate. The staff teams went around in bank cars, visiting the worst affected areas of Quriyat, Amerat, and Wadi Adai, among others, with water, food, clothes and other essential supplies, for the victims. The bank was also in the process of collecting information on staff members who have suffered losses and said it has approved a considerable amount to assist these staff members.

Oman Oasis
Oman Oasis Water Company distributed drinking water in various places to people affected by the storm who were in need of pure drinking water. N Janardhan, general manager, said that although water was not available for production, the company distributed whatever water products were available in stocks at its depot in the Rusayl Industrial Estate.

Lulu Hypermarket
LuLu Hypermarket sent several trucks of essential supplies to Sohar, Sur and other affected areas in the interiors. In addition, LuLu also gave out essential items like water and cooked food packets to charitable organisations to deliver to the cyclone victims.

The Wave
The Wave, Muscat lent a helping hand in the clean-up and reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of Cyclone Gonu by providing expertise, resources and equipment to Muscat Municipality. The company employees also joined the relief operations.

Oman Gas Company (OGS)
The company distributed medicines, food and other necessities to the affected residents of Amerat. OGS also supplied the residents with cooking gas cylinders and potable water. A number of electrical generators were also donated to the mosques.

National Gas
National Gas Company supplied free LPG refills to residents in the wilayats of Quriyat and Amerat. According a press release issued by the company, some unscrupulous distributors in Muscat had increased the price of cooking gas cylinder refills to RO20. National Gas Company worked with the National Committee for Civil Defence to set up sales outlets in the city and sold refills for RO2.5