By Sadiq Abubakar
Maiduguri
Borno state government has re-built over 2, 000 homes and 17 public buildings in Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar local government area which was a former stronghold of Boko Haram insurgents.
Governor Kasim Shettima announced this when he Damasak on Wednesday.
The Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Dr Babangida Umaru Zulum, told the governor while conducting him round the town that the ministry was able to carry out the reconstruction successfully even though they were at various degrees of completion.
He said: “So far, we have reconstructed at least 80% of the structures destroyed by Boko Haram sect in this town. From the breakdown and records available which I will officially hand them over to you with names of beneficiaries, we have reconstructed about 1600 destroyed mud houses, 400 block households, 16 public structures including General Hospital, schools, Palace of the District Head, Government Lodge, Local Government Secretariat and police stations.
“Although, we are now having some challenges like paucity of funds, I can assure you that as soon as we get another approval and timely release of funds, we will complete the remaining reconstruction works for resettlement of our people in the next two months.”
Responding, Shettima promised to release more funds for speedy completion of reconstruction works not only in Damasak, but also in all the communities hitherto destroyed by insurgents across the state.
He said: “I am highly delighted with the progress of work here in Damasak. This town which is a border community with Niger Republic which produces the largest number of pepper and onions all over the country has an economic potential not only to the people here, but to the Government. We are aware of the agricultural activities that is been practiced among our people, which provides 95% employment opportunities and income generation.”