- Following the ongoing flooding in Borno, the Federal Government plans an upgrade of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State
- The dam upgrade aims to prevent future overflow
- The flooding in Maiduguri, Borno, has reportedly displaced at least 414,000 people and killed 30 people
The federal government has announced plans to upgrade the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State.
This announcement was disclosed in a press statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Funmi Imuetinyan, on September 12.
The statement noted that the move aims to tackle the persistent challenges posed by the dam’s overflow and make a permanent solution to the recurring flood disasters in the region.
It said the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, made the commitment during his visit to Maiduguri on Thursday alongside the Minister of State, Bello Goronyo.
The ministerial delegation, which included technical directors, water experts, heads of agencies, and senior government officials, thoroughly assessed the recent floods, which displaced residents, submerged farmlands and homes, and disrupted economic activities across Maiduguri.
Utsev, however, assured that a team of experts from the ministry is already on-site in Borno State, conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the Alau Dam to assess its current condition and recommend swift action to enhance its capacity.
“We are committed to a thorough overhaul of this critical infrastructure. The Alau Dam upgrade is non-negotiable, and any poor performance by contractors or officials involved will not go unpunished. Sanctions will be enforced for any delays or substandard work,” he emphasised.
He further assured the public that, alongside the dam upgrade, coordinated efforts would be made to curb the spread of waterborne diseases in collaboration with the state government.
Utsev said sanitation kits and water treatment facilities would be provided to displaced persons as part of the ministry’s immediate intervention.
On his part, the Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum, thanked the ministers and their team for their swift response and support during this critical period. He stressed the importance of conducting a detailed dam study to assess its capacity, establish hydraulic structures, and enhance flood forecasting systems.
Zulum also underscored the urgent need to address desertification and invest in clean energy and irrigation systems to combat the escalating impacts of climate change.
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Nigerians criticised the initiative, with some condemning it as a short-term solution to long-standing challenges and others seeing it as another “national cake” to be shared.