Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has started evaluating the flood-damaged infrastructure and hospitals in Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Council. The goal is to begin rebuilding following the extensive damage caused by the recent flooding to the region’s roads, bridges, markets, and hospitals.

During his assessment over the weekend, Zulum described the flood on September 10 as the most severe to hit the metropolis since the devastating floods of 1994, which resulted in significant loss of life and property. The areas most affected include Gwange and Fori wards and Moro-Moro communities situated along the banks of the Yedseram River.

The governor expressed concern over the construction of houses and shops along the river banks, which he noted obstructed the natural flow of water from the Yedzaram and Ngadda rivers.

“It is unfortunate that some residents chose to build houses along the riverbanks,” he stated, highlighting that these structures hindered the passage of water, exacerbating the flooding in Fori, Gwange, Gambouru, and Shehuri wards.

The governor said that had the water flowed freely, it would have reached the lowlands without impacting built-up areas.He committed to reconstructing the damaged infrastructure and providing support to affected communities.