The Shell Petroleum Company of the NNPC/SPDC/TEPNG/AGIP has commissioned intervention projects for solar-powered water systems and toilets in Damaturu and Fika councils of Yobe. The projects were completed by the Shell Joint Ventures (SJVs) for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) currently taking refuge at Fika and Damaturu, the state capital. While inaugurating the projects Tuesday in Damaturu, the Head, NE Global Engineering and Supply, Jibrin Kawu disclosed: “The installed solar power; is being linked to Yobe Mosque and Islamic Centre, Specialist Hospital, Gujba Housing Estate, Family Support, Kasaisa IDP, Cattle market, Kalallawa health centre and Damaturu Yobe Line office.”
He added that all the housing estates, markets and health centres are located in the state capital, Damaturu. He further disclosed that; the executed projects in eight communities of Fika Council, include Sabon Gari low cost housing estate and markets at Ngalda, Gadaka, Dogo Abare, Korofi, Maluri, Godowoli and Zangaya. He lamented that about seven million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, while over 1.93 million IDPs are in dire need of humanitarian interventions. He said that the interventions are in food and water supplies, sanitation, education, shelter and more than 1,926,748 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are in critical need of humanitarian interventions including food, water, sanitation, protection, education, shelter and healthcare delivery services. “This represents an increase of over 8,000 people since June 2018,” he lamented.
Continuing, he added: “As part of its social investment objectives, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and its joint venture partners mobilised resources to assist the IDPs. “This is part of the SPDC JV’s wider intervention programmes for people affected or threatened by natural or manmade disasters in the Northeast.” He noted that the intervention was to improve the wellbeing of IDPs and project host communities through access to clean and safe water with improved sanitation facilities. He said the NNPC-driven North-East IDPs Initiative was the construction of nine solar-powered boreholes and 16 units of VIP toilets in Fika and Damaturu Councils.
He explained that the installations of electricity could support the early recovery and transition to development in conflict-affected areas in the state. Governor Mai Mala Buni, who was represented by Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Abubakar Garba Iliya, said the installed facilities are part of SPDC Joint Venture under its water and sanitation intervention projects.
