The Federal Government is set to commence the construction of 325 housing units for victims affected by the 2018 flood in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The 325 victims were drawn from about 12 affected communities in the Farun Maje community in Jibia town.
Statistics available from The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), shows that a total of 765 households were displaced,325 buildings totally destroyed and 440 buildings partially damaged.
While inspecting the project site at Farun Maje community, The Director General of NEMA,Air Marshall Muhammadu Mohammed (rtd),noted that the site was meant for the relocation, reconstruction and resettlement of victims affected by the flood.
The DG was represented by The Director, Planning, Research and Forecasting,who is also The Chairman of The Federal Government’s Implementation Team, Mr. Kayode Fagbemi.
Mr Fagbemi recalled that the Vice President on July 18th 2018 was in Katsina State to assess the damages done by the flood and assured of the Federal Government’s promise to do something about the incident.
He pointed that, they are collaborating with The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Work Centre to ensure that there is no delay, there is enough security and the availability of all the facilities that will help them achieve their aim within the shortest possible time.
He also said, the project is going to be direct labour and not contract, inorder to ensure that the affected victims are engaged by being employed to do some of the labour, and as such protecting the equipments and facilities set aside for the construction.
On her part,The Permanent Secretary in the state ministry of land and survey,who is also The Chairperson for the state implementation committee, Hajiya Amina Lawal stated that, the state government had already committed itself to resettle the victims where it acquired the land for the construction and other necessary commitments towards ensuring that the houses are constructed within the shortest possible time.
She also disclosed that the buildings will consist of two bedrooms, with other amenities within the layout, alongside shopping complex,mosque, islamiyya school, clinic and security outposts.
It could be recalled that on July 15th,2018, unprecedented heavy and windy downpour resulted in a massive flow of runoff water into Gada River thereby causing stagnation and build up of storm water in the minor drainages within Jibia town.
A total of 466 houses were washed away, over 50 people dead,300 domestic animals lost and household items including foodstuffs worth over ₦2 billion were lost to the flood.
Amina Bello K/bai
For: Head Of Centre
FIC Katsina
