From HASSAN JIRGI Maiduguri
Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum has announced the allocation of N20 billion for the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by the September 10 flood disaster and assist the victims.
Zulum made the announcement at the Government House, Maiduguri, while inaugurating a committee to determine the cause of the Alau Dam collapse.
50 percent of the fund, which is N10 billion, will be allocated for direct assistance for the flood victims.
The governor directed that N10 billion be credited to the state’s relief account handled by the disbursement committee, including the EFCC and ICPC, as well as security agencies.
The remaining N10 billion, as directed by the governor, was handed over to the Ministry of Works and Housing.
Zulum also expressed gratitude to the federal government for its tireless support during the flood disaster, from the quantum of food donated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
The governor equally appreciated individuals, state governments, corporate entities and non-governmental organisations for supporting Borno in its time of need.
He also directed the committee constituted to determine the cause of the Alau Dam collapse to submit its report to the state government within four weeks.
The 28-member committee is chaired by a former Managing Director of the Chad Basin Development Authority, Engr Abba Garba.
The governor maintained that despite the fact that the flood had receded, the dam continues to flow, posing economic threat to the state and inhabitants using its resources for domestic and dry-season farming.
He, therefore, charged the committee to make useful recommendations to forestall future occurrences.
Responding, the chairman of the committee expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for finding them worthy of serving the state.
