Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has said that the federal
government has released N5.2 billion to complete 10,000 houses for 1.7
million Internally Displaced Person (IDP) returnees.
The IDP returnees, are currently taking refuge in IDP camps of
Maiduguri, Dikwa, Monguno, Dolori and three border communities with
Cameroon.
Zulum spoke Wednesday in the outskirts of Maiduguri, while inspecting
the completion of 1,000 houses for the return of IDPs to Dolori
community,
Dalori was severally attacked by Boko Haram between 2015 and 2019 with
loss of many lives and property.
He said the release of funds, was sequel to state government’ request
last year for the construction of housing estates.
“It’s a view of resettling back 1.7 million IDPs to their ancestral
homes, destroyed by insurgents,” he said, adding that President
Muhammadu Buhari graciously approved for the construction of 10,000
affordable houses in the state.
He added that fortunately enough, Buhari also directed for the release
of funds to undertake the construction process.
He noted that the ongoing Dalori housing project, is an intervention
from the Federal Government.
“Because of the integrity of this government, the federal government
has directed to release funds to the state government to undertake
housing projects,” he said, disclosing that; “The federal government
has released N3.5 billion to commence first phase of construction
exercise in the state.”
Continued; he said: “We’ve judiciously utilized the funds to complete
the housing projects, sited in various liberated communities.”
He said that out of 1,000 housing units, 608 have reached various
completion stages.
He added that another 1,000 houses have reached 70 completion in
Kaleri metropolitan community.
While commending FG, he said: “As the completion of housing project,
is being monitored, we let the public know federal government’s giant
strides in providing shelter to IDP returnees.”
He said the federal government, has also come to the aid in trying
moments of security and housing challenges since July 2009.
He said the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Finance and the North
East Development Commission (NEDC) have assisted in the implementation
of housing projects.
He added that the federal government, has also released N1.3 billion
to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for the establishment of Rural
Grazing Areas (RUGA) in the state.
According to him, FG also released N352 million to the Ministry of
Humanitarian Affairs to support means of livelihoods of IDP returnees.
He said funds has been released for the sinking of two boreholes to
meet housing estate’s water requirements.
He added that before houses are completed, basic infrastructural
facilities, including the Dalori General Hospital.
