December 03, (THEWILL) – In a bid to mitigate the aftermath of recent floods in Borno State, Oxfam in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria and the Center for Advocacy and Accountability Initiative, has distributed Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene kits to 1,500 affected households.
The initiative, funded by the Dutch Relief Alliance, is aimed at preventing outbreaks of waterborne diseases in flood-ravaged areas.
During the distribution exercise on Tuesday, Oxfam’s Country Director, John Makina, highlighted the severe impact of the floods on local communities and the need for urgent intervention.
“In Borno State, we are working with two partners. CRUDAN is focusing on distributing non-food items, while CATAI is providing WASH-related support to flood victims. Oxfam, on its part, is handling cash distribution to affected households,” Makina explained.
CRUDAN’s Director, Joseph Gyandi, emphasised the organization’s commitment to supporting the state government and other stakeholders in alleviating the suffering of flood victims.
He stated, “The floods devastated 17 wards in Maiduguri and surrounding local governments. This intervention aims to address the acute crisis response by enhancing hygiene practices and preventing disease outbreaks.”
Gyandi noted that 1,500 households across three local government areas benefited from the initiative, with a focus on water and hygiene interventions.
The Humanitarian Project Coordinator for CRUDAN, Tafuko Tabwassah, detailed the distribution plan, revealing that the two-day intervention covered 400 households in Masisandari Ward (Maiduguri Metropolitan Council), 350 in Galtimari, 350 in Usmanti (Konduga), and 400 in Mashamari Kwanan Yobe.
Items distributed included gloves, face masks, plastic boots, scrubbing brushes, disinfectants, buckets, napkins, jerrycans, brooms, water hoses, plastic waste bins, and aprons.
Beneficiaries, including Hajja Zara and Falmata Bulama, expressed gratitude for the timely intervention, acknowledging the positive impact of the WASH kits on their families’ health and hygiene.
“This support has made a significant difference in ensuring our families stay safe and healthy amid the challenges brought by the flood,” Zara said.
