FG Commits To Address Flood Challenges In Maiduguri With Alau Dam Rehabilitation

The Federal Government, says plans are on for the immediate commencement of upgrading of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno state.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made this commitment during a visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, alongside the Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo.

Prof. Utsev assured that a team of experts from the Ministry is already on-site in the 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,” the Minister emphasized.

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.

“This move is aimed at tackling the persistent challenges posed by the dam’s overflow and delivering a permanent solution to the recurring flood disasters in the region” he noted.

Prof. 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 Governor of Borno State Prof, Babagana Umara Zulum stressed the urgent need to address desertification and invest in clean energy and irrigation systems to combat the escalating impacts of climate change .

He commended the Ministers and their team for the swift response and support during this critical period and emphasised the importance of conducting a detailed study of the dam to assess its capacity, establish hydraulic structures, and enhance flood forecasting systems.

Also the Ministers visted the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al Amin El-Kanemi, to express their solidarity with the people of Borno and extend sympathies for the recent flooding, which affected the Shehu’s palace.

The Minister also appealed to the Shehu to advise local residents, especially children, to avoid playing in contaminated water, which poses health risks, including the danger of reptile attacks and the spread of waterborne diseases.

Responding, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al Amin El-Kanemi, who explained a similar flood event three decades ago, expressed gratitude to both the Federal and State governments’ attention to the matter and stressed the importance of upgrading the dam to prevent future occurrences.

The ministerial delegation, which included technicaFG Commits To Address Flood Challenges In Maiduguri With Alau Dam Rehabilitation

The Federal Government, says plans are on for the immediate commencement of upgrading of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno state.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made this commitment during a visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, alongside the Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo.

Prof. Utsev assured that a team of experts from the Ministry is already on-site in the 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,” the Minister emphasized.

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.

“This move is aimed at tackling the persistent challenges posed by the dam’s overflow and delivering a permanent solution to the recurring flood disasters in the region” he noted.

Prof. 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 Governor of Borno State Prof, Babagana Umara Zulum stressed the urgent need to address desertification and invest in clean energy and irrigation systems to combat the escalating impacts of climate change .

He commended the Ministers and their team for the swift response and support during this critical period and emphasised the importance of conducting a detailed study of the dam to assess its capacity, establish hydraulic structures, and enhance flood forecasting systems.

Also the Ministers visted the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al Amin El-Kanemi, to express their solidarity with the people of Borno and extend sympathies for the recent flooding, which affected the Shehu’s palace.

The Minister also appealed to the Shehu to advise local residents, especially children, to avoid playing in contaminated water, which poses health risks, including the danger of reptile attacks and the spread of waterborne diseases.

Responding, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al Amin El-Kanemi, who explained a similar flood event three decades ago, expressed gratitude to both the Federal and State governments’ attention to the matter and stressed the importance of upgrading the dam to prevent future occurrences.

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.

By Georgina Humphrey,Edited By Shakira Alabil 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.

By Georgina Humphrey,Edited By Shakira Alabi