BY YUNUSA BUNU ZANNA, JANUARY 29, 2025 | 07:17 PM
The North East Development Commission, NEDC, has procured two dredging machines worth ₦1.42 billion to mitigate future flooding in Maiduguri, Jere, and surrounding areas.
This move followed the devastating flood of September 2024, which claimed lives and caused extensive property damage.
The NEDC Managing Director, Mohammed Goni Alkali, disclosed the development during an inspection of ongoing projects which started on Sunday in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to Alkali, the equipment acquisition is a preventive measure to address the challenges posed by the Alau Dam and other waterways.
'Everyone remembers what happened with the Alau Dam. These dredging machines are critical for maintaining these waterways and preventing future disasters,' Alkali said.
In addition to addressing flooding concerns, the NEDC unveiled a new ₦500 million pharma-grade medical storage facility in Maiduguri.
The facility, the first of its kind in the North-East, features state-of-the-art equipment, including a 24/7 solar power system, CCTV surveillance, and digital tracking for real-time monitoring of drug and vaccine storage.
Addressing the press, Alkali highlighted the significance of the upgraded Central Medical Store.
'This facility ensures the safe storage of drugs, vaccines, and medical supplies in a temperature-controlled environment. It is a landmark achievement for the health sector in the region,' he said.
Alkali emphasized that the projects align with the NEDC’s 11-pillar master plan, which focuses on health, education, security, and infrastructure.
He reassured residents that similar projects would be executed across the six North-Eastern states to address poverty, ecological issues, and illiteracy.
During his inspection, Alkali visited several other projects, including the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric, Eye, and Dental Hospital in Maiduguri, the Department of State Services, DSS, headquarters, and various residential units under construction.
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