The North East Development Commission (NEDC) Thursday handed over 1,000 units of two-bedroom bungalows recently completed and furnished to the government of Borno State for onward distribution to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
President Muhammadu Buhari two years ago announced 10,000 housing programme under the Special Presidential Intervention in Borno State (SPIB) to resettle the victims of insurgency.
The NEDC Managing Director, Dr Mohammed Alkali, explained during the inauguration at Ngwom in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, a village 20km away from Maiduguri, that the housing units consist of four blocks of 2-bedroom detachable with veranda and courtyard in a cluster arrangement.
He said there were solar-powered street lights, four industrial solar-powered boreholes, over 3000 economic trees, provision for school, market, police station and a motor-park.
Alkali said beneficiaries would get 2,000 bags of rice, 2,000 cartons of spaghetti, 2000 gallons of vegetable oil, 4,000 women wrappers, 4,000 pieces of mosquito nets, 5,000 pairs of slippers, 2,000 men brocade, 1000 cartons of antiseptic soaps, 5,000 pieces of blankets, 5,000 mattresses, 5,000 mats, 4,000 children wears and other items.
He added, “As a commission, we have resolved that economic empowerment tools would also be given to the women as they resettle in their new homes at Ngwom.
“The NEDC will also distribute livelihood support to the occupants after thorough needs assessment and training. The livelihood support tools to be distributed comprised 1000 cooking stoves, 200 grinding machines, 200 knitting machines, 200 sewing machines and 200 spaghetti making machines.”
At the event, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, said the various interventions in Borno and other states in the North East were to support efforts being made to address food insecurity and socio-economic development in the region.
“We are equally handing over the burn centre which would cater for victims of burn injuries as a result of bomb attacks,” she added.
Governor Babagana Zulum commended the NEDC for bringing succour to the people of the North East, especially the women and children.
He called on the federal government to help construct Damasak/Kukawa road, Kadarmari and Zambamari road.
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