The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its intention to begin immediate upgrades of the Alau Dam located in Maiduguri, Borno State through a press release issued by Funmi Imuetinyan, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, on Thursday.
The upgrade will address ongoing issues related to the dam's overflow, which has contributed to recurring flood disasters in the region.
During a visit to Maiduguri, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, alongside Minister of State Bello Goronyo, emphasized the urgency of this initiative.
The ministerial team, which included various technical experts and senior officials, conducted a detailed assessment of the recent floods that have displaced numerous residents, submerged farmland, and disrupted local economies.
Utsev assured that a specialized team from the ministry is already on-site in Borno State to evaluate the current condition of the Alau Dam and to propose necessary enhancements.
He stated that, “The Alau Dam upgrade is non-negotiable, and any poor performance by contractors or officials involved will not go unpunished.”
He also highlighted the ministry’s plans to distribute sanitation kits and water treatment facilities to those displaced by the floods in collaboration with the state government.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, expressed gratitude for the federal government's prompt response during this crisis. He stressed the necessity of conducting a thorough study of the dam to assess its capacity and improve flood forecasting systems.
Additionally, Zulum pointed out the urgent need to combat desertification and invest in clean energy and irrigation systems as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
