Kogi State remains one among states that is yet to wind up its relief camps for flood displaced persons despite the fact that the flood have receded and many of the people have since returned to their homes.
The Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, made this known in a statement today after the release of Christmas items to displaced persons, also pointed out that government is still given out incentives and relief materials to those who have returned to their homes as well as to those still remaining in the displaced persons camps.
Awoniyi, noted that it is a matter of policy by Capt. Idris Wada, the Kogi State Governor, not to close down the camps, assured that it will continue to operate them where the people find it convenient.
Government, Awoniyi explained only recently relocated people out of schools, to enable pupils who have had to forgo schools return to complete their terms.
In Lokoja for example, the Deputy Governor, said displaced persons were relocated to a hitherto abandoned Federal Government Housing building after remedial construction work were carried out on the buildings to make them habitable.
The buildings, Awoniyi pointed out have boreholes, toilet facilities, and solar lighting system while batteries operated lamps were also provided for individuals in the camps.
While some people in other places, Awoniyi disclosed have since returned home to stay with their relatives, the State Government, he noted has constantly assisted them with relief materials such as mattresses, mosquito nets and food stuff.
The Deputy Governor, pointed out that in as much as government provision of succor to those displaced cannot be open-ended, government is not thinking of turning its back on the displaced persons, most especially that they are bonafide residents and citizens of the State.
Towards establishing houses for some of the displaced persons, through the land tenure system, which has been impossible for ready access of land for housing, Awoniyi, explained that all hands have been directed by Capt. Idris Wada to be on deck for the immediate survey of new areas to enable for the immediate commencement of already completed One and Two Bedroom design structures for the displaced persons.
The Deputy Governor however added that in the interim, the State Flood Assessment Committee has just concluded a two week exercise as directed by His Excellency, the State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, to ascertain damages and the needs of those who have returned to their homes stead’s for possible assistance.
Awoniyi, disclosed that the Committee assessed damaged infrastructures, partially or completely damaged houses, destroyed source of livelihood, ranging from farmlands, livestock’s and food stock in areas affected.
The Deputy Governor in the statement thanked the Federal Government, working in concert with the United Nation Group and NEMA, for the technical assistance they are rendering to Kogi State in their
assessment derive.
While noting that the present level of planning by the State Government has become necessary so as to ensure that the mismatch between revenue profile and the resettlement programme for displaced persons in the State is adjusted to achieve maximum benefits.
Awoniyi, charge miscreants who are found of peddling unfounded information about the good intentions of the State Government to have a rethink as the State Government will not be distracted from it planned good intentions for those genuinely displaced.
