…Inspects New Housing Projects in Amarwa, Maiwa
By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has unveiled plans to close the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Konduga as part of his administration’s ongoing resettlement programme aimed at restoring displaced communities across the state.
The planned relocation comes after the successful closure of the Bama IDP camp, previously the largest displacement camp outside Maiduguri, and amid preparations to wind down the Gwoza camp.
Addressing journalists during a visit to Konduga, Governor Zulum emphasized that the resettlement exercise would be carried out strictly on a voluntary basis, assuring that no displaced person would be compelled to return to any community against their wishes.
He explained that the government would continue consultations with residents of the camp ahead of the relocation, which is expected to commence within the next four months.
> “We are not carrying out the resettlement process immediately; we are here to discuss with the IDPs so that in the next four months they will be resettled in a dignified manner. I believe you heard from the IDPs that they are willing to return home. Return shall be voluntary, not by force,” the governor said.
As part of the visit, Zulum inspected ongoing construction of resettlement houses at Amarwa, a newly developing resettlement city designed to accommodate displaced families currently living in camps. The governor had earlier laid the foundation for the housing project.
He also visited Maiwa in Mafa Local Government Area, where another large-scale housing estate is under construction to support the state’s resettlement initiative.
The housing developments are being complemented with essential public infrastructure, including a primary healthcare centre, potable water facilities and other basic social amenities to ensure returning residents have access to improved living conditions.
Governor Zulum was accompanied on the inspection tour by the member representing Bama, Ngala and Kala-Balge Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba; the member representing Konduga Constituency in the Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Bukar Modu; the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; and other senior government officials.
