Katsina, UNDP to construct 152 housing units for IDPs

The Katsina State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will construct 152 housing units for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Jibia Local Government Area.

The housing units are to provide accomodations for hundreds of families who had fled their communities from Frontline council areas due terrorism and related security challenges.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda on Monday laid the groundbreaking foundation for the construction of the housing units.

Radda said the project would support 2,000 families from eight local government areas that have been affected by insecurity.

He said the project is part of a larger initiative aimed at brining succour to those affected by insecurity, even as he assured of state government’s commitment to improving the living condition of IDPs in the state.

“This project is part of a larger initiative to support 2,000 families from eight frontline local governments who have lost loved ones to criminal activities. Our goal is to provide not only shelter but also opportunities for sustainable livelihoods,” Radda said.

Radda assured of the state government’s commitment to ensuring prudent and judicious use of resources provided by the UNDP.

He, however, called on contractors handling the project to maintain high standards throughout the construction process.

The Head of UNDP for the North West region, Ashraf Usman, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to partnering with state governments in the area of bringing much needed succour for IDPs.

“Our collaborative efforts aim to address the root causes of challenges facing the region,” assuring that, the UNDP is focused on “mobilizing timely, collective action within and across states, as well as between state and federal governments” Usman said.

The state government said the housing project would have power connection to the national grid, a skills acquisition center, drainage networks, and road connectivity.