Zulum Approves Major Water Project For Bama, Pledges Continued Reconstruction

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has announced a major investment in Bama Local Government Area, approving the construction of a new waterworks to address the critical shortage of potable drinking water.

The announcement came during a visit to the Shehu of Bama, Dr. Umar Elkanemi, on Thursday.

Bama, ravaged by Boko Haram militants during their 2014 onslaught, suffered extensive damage before its liberation by the Nigerian military in March 2015.

Governor Zulum acknowledged the immense destruction, stating, “Bama is one of the communities’ worst hit by the Boko Haram insurgency; the destructions were unimaginable.”

This new water project adds to the nine mega water projects already completed across Borno State under Zulum’s administration, including those in Ngarannam, Moramti, Pulka, Chibok, Azare, Madinatu, and Shokwari.

Beyond water infrastructure, the governor also pledged to rehabilitate Bama’s township road networks to improve transportation and facilitate movement within the town.

He highlighted the ongoing rebuilding efforts in other previously affected areas such as Banki, Darajamal, and Mayenti, emphasising significant progress in resettlement initiatives.

In further commitment to education, Zulum ordered the establishment of a high Islamic college in Bama.

This initiative aims to integrate formal and non-formal education, providing certification for Almajiri education.

Before he met with the Shehu of Bama, Governor Zulum visited Abbaram town, assessing the damage caused by Boko Haram and facilitating the resettlement of residents displaced for over a decade.

In another development, Zulum announced the approval of N8 billion for the payment of outstanding pensions and gratuities owed to retired primary school teachers and other civil servants.

This payment will settle liabilities accumulated between 2019 and 2021.

The announcement was made on Wednesday at the government house in Maiduguri.

The N8 billion allocation follows previous payments; N3 billion was released in June and September 2019 to clear the gratuities of 1,684 retirees who left service between 2013 and 2019, and over N12 billion was disbursed in 2020 for retirees from both state and local government services between 2013 and 2017.

Governor Zulum highlighted his administration’s significant investment in settling these arrears.