September 15, (THEWILL) – The United Nations (UN) has pledged to redirect resources initially allocated for other projects to support victims of the recent flood disaster in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.
Mohammed Fall, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, made the commitment when he visited Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, at the Government House in Maiduguri.
Fall, who led a delegation of UN agencies, international and local NGOs, as well as donor organisations, 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 30 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. The UN is committed to supporting the government’s efforts in responding to the flood. We will work closely with the state government to determine the number of people in need, what they need, and track what is being delivered to identify gaps in delivery,” he said.
Fall emphasised that the UN has great concern for the safety and livelihood of the people affected by the flood and is committed to supporting the government in its efforts to respond to the flood and ensure that those affected receive the necessary support.
“We are working tirelessly to support the government in its efforts to respond to the flood and ensure that those affected by the flood receive the necessary support,” he said.
The UN, he said, will also mobilise resources to support the government’s efforts in providing emergency assistance to those affected.
Speaking, Mr. Trond Jensen, UNOCHA Head Office, said, “We will provide technical support and expertise to enhance the government’s response efforts. Our priority is to save lives and ensure people have what they need to survive.”
Jensen reiterated that the UN’s priority is to save lives and ensure people have what they need to survive, adding that the organisation’s support will include the provision of food and non-food items, shelter, water sanitation, hygiene facilities, and psychosocial support.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, expressed gratitude for the swift response from the UN and other organisations, noting that the flood has impacted over one million people and submerged half of the city.
Zulum, who announced plans to close all the temporary camps in two weeks to allow students to return to school, said, “What we need is that we shall work with you more closely to prevent the 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 these people to go back to their houses.”
The Governor also requested the UN and development partners’ involvement in assessing affected areas and the reconstruction of the Alau Dam.
I am Ladi Dapson, a general writer with thewill. I cover Borno and Yobe states respectively.
I based Maiduguri, Borno State Capital.
I can be reached via [email protected].
Very high and kind regards!
