Niger State Government is spend N7 billion of the reconstruction of Mokwa-Raba Road and repair four bridges damaged by floods … days ago.
It is also announced a donation of N1 billion, 50 trucks of rice, beans, maize, millet and sorghum for the flood victims.
Governor Mohammed Bago made the goodies known yesterday when he visited Tiffin Madza Primary School in Mokwa, where Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are currently taking refuge.
Bago told the victims that his government would also provide resettlement land and services to them.
He immediately directed the Ministry for Land and Survey to issue certificates of occupancy (C of O) to the Federal Government to facilitate the immediate construction of the resettlement homes for the victims.
According to Bago, while the government awaits the construction of the resettlement homes by the Federal Government, necessary arrangements will be made to move them from the IDP camp, which will remain operational till the end of this month.
He said: “Each of the affected families will receive financial support to cover rent while awaiting the completion of their new homes.
‘’Additionally, 50 trucks of grains have been allocated for distribution to flood-affected families.
“The state government has already awarded a N7 billion contract for the construction of the Mokwa-Raba Road and four bridges. The project aims to improve transportation and enhance connectivity, particularly for communities recently devastated by the severe flooding.”
Bago explained that the resettlement areas would have essential infrastructure like health facilities, schools, and proper drainage systems with culverts to mitigate future flooding.
He also promised the victims that all the cash and material donated by the Federal Government, individuals, and donor agencies would be utilised for the purpose they were meant.
The governor commended the Federal Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their timely response.
He also offered prayers for those who lost their lives during the flood.
Earlier, the state Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) told the governor that 206 people died in the flood. The figure is, however, two less than that given by the deputy governor when Vice-President Kashim Shettima visited the town at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The state House of Assembly Speaker, Abdulmalik Daji; Etsu Nupe, and Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, as well as former Deputy Governor Mohammed Ketso, commended the governor for his kindness to the people.
Also yesterday, ActionAid Nigeria commended the efforts of humanitarian actors in Mokwa and donors, but noted that relief materials were not meeting the urgent needs of the victims
It said: ‘’The camps remain poorly organised and lack essential services. Many affected persons, particularly women, are reluctant to stay overnight in these camps due to the absence of basic amenities such as toilets, running water, and secure shelter.
‘’Consequently, many choose to sleep in their destroyed homes or on open pavements, exposing themselves to further hardship.’’
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