Published By Olukayode Idowu
North East Development Commission (NEDC) on Friday decried the destruction by Boko Haram on the North East region, lamenting that 500,000 structures from the existing 4 million in the region were destroyed.
Speaking at the commissioning of some projects built by NEDC in Yobe State, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mohammed Alkali said that the stock of houses in the North-East States before the insurgency was about 4 million, out of which over 500,000 structures (houses and commercial premises) were destroyed or irreparably damaged.
He further lamented that even before the insurgency, there was housing deficit in all the states of the region, adding that: “Therefore, the insurgency only further aggravated the situation.”
He said: “In all of this, Borno State being the epicentre of the crisis is worse affected with the largest number of Internally Displaced Persons.”
He noted that the NEDC has come to rebuild the destruction, stressing that the Commission’s mandate include rehabilitation and reconstruction of destroyed homes and commercial premises of citizens in the region.
He said after the building and commission of 1,000 housing units in Ngwom, in Borno State: “The Commission reflecting on its mandate decided to replicate same in the other five states of the region by the construction of 500houses in each state.
He disclosed that in Yobe State, the Commission is building in Damaturu 250 houses and 50 houses each in Buni Yadi, Geidam, Potiskum, Gashua and Nguru.
Alkali revealed that: “The mass houses we are about to commence construction is of the cluster block style which consists of blocks of four units of 2-bedroomed bungalows with veranda and courtyard. Each block sits on four hundred square meters, with a fence separating each twin-facing houses, covered kitchens and toilets/bathrooms, and ample space for home living activities. The following Socio-economic facilities would also be provided: – Street lights, Reticulated Water Supply System, commercial spaces amongst others.”
Also speaking, Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai-Mala Buni commended the interventions of NEDC. He said: “Such complimentary Interventions will certainly go a long way in impacting positively on the lives of people in the state.”
He said this was in line with the commitment of his government to providing the needs of its citizenry as part of it’s effort of uplifting general welfare of the people.
He however admonished the NEDC that no segment of the society is left out in the comprehensive programme of bringing succour to the people.
