Funded by European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with Borno State Government commenced the large-scale cash for work activity (CFW) in Maiduguri for 2020 under the Sustainable Waste Management and Environment Protection Programme.

The cash for work activity aims to contribute to longer-term resilience building and social stabilization of conflict-affected people, especially vulnerable households including females and the unemployed youths in selected communities in Maiduguri.  This activity focuses on providing immediate livelihoods opportunities through labour-intensive community clean-up and sanitation-related services.

Speaking at the launch of the Cash for Work for 2020 on Thursday, 9 January 2020 at the Sports Centre Maiduguri, the Executive Governor of Borno State, H.E Babagana Umara Zulum reiterated his will  ontinue supporting the youth in the state. He also urged the participants enrolled in the UNDP Sustainable Waste Management and Environment Protection programme to cultivate the culture of resilience, patience and courage. The governor extended his appreciation to UNDP and EU for their timely intervention. 

Mr. Yoshiaki Noguchi, speaking on behalf of UNDP extended his appreciation to the generous funding by EU and the cooperation of the Borno State Government. He also mentioned that UNDP plan to launch the cash-for-activity in Bama and Biu.

In addition, he explained the following activities planned under the project.

• Institutional capacity building of Borno State government agencies involved in waste management.
• Community awareness to improved hygiene, waste management and rehabilitation of community waste management infrastructure.
• Waste management entrepreneurship and grant support for small scale enterprises.

UNDP has gained considerable experience in waste management in post conflict situations around the world. As part of its relief and recovery programme, UNDP has worked with Governments in post crisis situations around the world to design and implement robust solid waste management programmes. These included supports to Governments to plan, design, coordinate, strengthen institutional policies and systems for waste management.