Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State.
By Tony Folarin
The Federal Government has disclosed plans for immediate commencement of upgrading the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State.
This was made known in a press statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Funmi Imuetinyan on Thursday.
The statement gave indication that the move is aimed at tackling the persistent challenges posed by the dam’s overflow and making 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, carried out a thorough assessment of 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 stressed.
