FG plans to upgrade Alau Dam, Minister Utsev discloses
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has announced plans for the immediate upgrade of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State. This initiative is aimed at addressing the recurring flood disasters in the region, providing a long-term solution to the challenges posed by the dam’s overflow.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, made this commitment during a 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, conducted an extensive assessment of the recent floods that displaced residents, submerged farmlands, and disrupted economic activities across the region.
During the visit, Utsev reassured the people of Borno that a team of experts from the Ministry is already on-site, conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the Alau Dam’s current condition. The evaluation will inform swift actions to enhance the dam’s capacity and prevent future flood occurrences.
“We are committed to a complete overhaul of this critical infrastructure. The upgrade of the Alau Dam is non-negotiable, and we will not tolerate any delays or substandard work by contractors or officials involved in the project. Sanctions will be enforced where necessary,” Utsev stated emphatically.
The Minister also emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to working in close collaboration with the state government to tackle the spread of waterborne diseases resulting from the floods.
He disclosed that sanitation kits and water treatment facilities would be provided to displaced persons as part of the ministry’s immediate intervention efforts.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, expressed his gratitude to the Ministers and their team for their timely response and support during this challenging period.
He stressed the importance of conducting a thorough study of the dam to assess its capacity, establish additional hydraulic structures, and improve flood forecasting systems.
Governor Zulum also highlighted the urgent need to combat desertification and invest in clean energy and irrigation systems to mitigate the escalating impacts of climate change in the region.
During their visit, the Ministers also met with the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al Amin El-Kanemi CFR, to express their solidarity with the people of Borno and extend sympathies for the recent floods, which also affected the Shehu’s palace.
Utsev explained that the Ministry’s delayed arrival in Borno was due to ongoing irrigation inspections in the South West. However, he reassured the Shehu that the Alau Dam project is now a top priority for the Ministry.
He further pledged to expand the dam’s capacity, improve water treatment, and enhance sanitation measures in the region.
The Minister also appealed to the Shehu to advise local residents, particularly children, to avoid playing in contaminated floodwaters, which pose significant health risks, including waterborne diseases and reptile attacks.
Recalling a similar flood event nearly three decades ago, the Shehu noted that the current devastation far surpasses previous incidents.
He expressed his appreciation to both the Federal and State governments for their swift attention to the matter and reiterated the importance of upgrading the dam to prevent future disasters.
Following their meeting with the Shehu, the Ministers and their team conducted an on-site inspection of flood-affected areas in Maiduguri to assess the full extent of the damage.
