The European Union (EU) in collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO) has handed over 43 infrastructural and healthcare projects to Borno state government
The EU funded health projects are sited in Monguno, Bama, Gur, Chabbal and Biu in south senatorial district of the state.
These were disclosed yesterday (Monday) in the Borno Package Coordination and Progress Report (BCPR) released in Maiduguri, the state capital.
According to the 2021 report; “All the handed over completed facilities are providing various services to communities affected in the 12-year insurgency.”
The report said that the commissioned projects were handed over to relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) for sustenance in the effective delivery of healthcare services to the people.
“While the projects’ completing period has ended by last December, civil works at the Biu and Monguno General Hospitals; are yet to be completed,” noted Yoshiaki Noguci of the UNDP.
Noguci, was among the 53 representatives of the EU implementation partners held at the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (MRRR) on December 7, 2021 in Maiduguri.
The MRRR Commissioner, Mustapha Gubio, represented by Bitrus Mshelia commended EU, partners and Stakeholders, reiterating that; “all partners are to ensure that resources approved for the implementation of projects, are utilized to raise people’s living standards.
He called on partners, including UN agencies to complete their projects, so as to fast track their handing over within the specified time-framework.
Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, also corroborated EU for the completed projects in the health sector.
According to him, EU’s interventions have facilitated the reconstruction and rehabilitation of health facilities destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents.
The Executive Secretary, Agency for Coordination of Sustainable Development and Human Response, Buno Monguno also appreciated EU for intervening in the health, water supply and housing sectors.
He said that in 2021, EU in collaboration with Mercy Corps completed over 700 solar-powered houses to IDP returnees in Bama and Gwoza.
The report however noted that there should be an update on the monitoring visits to project sites.
“The State Government is to address issues of employing doctors and other health workers to manage and sustain Monguno General Hospital,” said the report.
It added; “The issue is under coordination by WHO Country Director now. “We will share the direction as soon as we get it from the management of the hospital to sustain healthcare delivery services in northern Borno.
By Mohammed Farouk
