Hobnob News, Abuja — In a decisive move to address the devastating impacts of last year’s flooding in Borno State, President Bola Tinubu has approved N80 billion for the immediate reconstruction and expansion of the Alau Dam. This announcement was made by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, during a briefing with State House correspondents following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
The Alau Dam, located in the Alau community of Konduga Local Government Area in Borno State, was originally constructed between 1984 and 1986. It serves as a significant reservoir on the Ngadda River, a tributary of Lake Chad. However, in 2024, the dam suffered a catastrophic collapse, leading to severe flooding that claimed over 150 lives and displaced at least 419,000 residents in the region.
Prof. Utsev revealed that the approval follows the submission of a comprehensive report from the Ministerial Committee, established on September 23, 2024, to evaluate the state of dams across Nigeria. The committee, chaired by Prof. Utsev, included key members such as the Ministers of Finance, Environment, Works, and Information, alongside the National Security Adviser.
“The committee’s mandate was to assess all dams nationwide and recommend optimal utilization strategies, encompassing water supply, flood control, irrigation, and fish farming,” Prof. Utsev stated. He further explained that the committee formed a subcommittee that collaborated with the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, and the Council of Dam Experts in Nigeria to carry out detailed assessments.
To date, 35 dams have been evaluated, with the interim report presented to the FEC highlighting the urgent need for action, particularly in light of the severe flooding experienced on September 10, 2024. The comprehensive design, analysis, and recommendations for the Alau Dam were reviewed and subsequently presented to President Tinubu, who promptly approved the N80 billion allocation for its reconstruction and expansion.
Prof. Utsev emphasized that the approval signifies an immediate commencement of the project, with the Borno State government actively collaborating with the subcommittee and the Nigerian Security Advisory Office to expedite the process. “We are optimistic that by July this year, the first phase of the reconstruction will be completed, mitigating the risk of further flooding in Maiduguri,” he noted.
The desilting component of the project is scheduled to begin in December 2024, with the entire project expected to span 24 months. “President Tinubu’s approval is pending final ratification by the Federal Executive Council, following the completion of all requisite due processes,” Prof. Utsev concluded.
This strategic initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure resilience and safeguarding communities against future natural disasters.
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