Written By Dauda Iliya and Edited by Godwin Duru
The United Nations has pledged to redirect resources initially allocated for other projects to support victims of the recent flood disaster in Maiduguri.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Fall made the commitment during a visit to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum at the Government House in Maiduguri.
Mr. Fall who was leading a delegation of UN agencies, international and local NGOs, as well as donor organizations, said the visit was to show solidarity with the flood victims and the Borno State government.
He highlighted that the state is experiencing its worst flooding in thirty years and praised Governor Zulum for enhancing the humanitarian response.
The UN Resident Coordinator assured that priority would be given to rescuing individuals trapped in flooded areas and addressing their immediate needs.
“We will repurpose resources meant for other interventions to scale up our response to this crisis,” Fall said.
The Humanitarian Coordinator noted that UN’s support will include the provision of food and non-food items, shelter, water sanitation, hygiene facilities, and psychosocial support.
Borno state Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum expressed gratitude for the swift response from the UN and other organizations, noting that the flood has impacted over one million people and submerged half of the city.
Zulum announced plans to close all the temporary camps in two weeks to allow students to return to school.
“What we need is that we shall work with you more closely to prevent outbreak of diseases, provide immediate medical assistance, humanitarian support both in terms of food and non-food items and shelter. Most importantly, the major intervention we need is how we shall support this people to go back to their houses ” Zulum said.
Zulum also requested UN and development partners involvement in assessing affected areas and in the reconstruction of Alau Dam.
Cov/Dauda Iliya