The Federal Government has pledged to overhaul and desilt the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State, following a catastrophic flood that occurred on September 10, 2024.
Assessing the Damage and Seeking Solutions
A team from the Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee, led by Engr. Aliyu Ibrahim Dala, Director of Dams and Reservoirs, visited the dam site to assess the physical, social, and environmental implications of the dam’s failure on local communities.
Causes of the Flood Identified
According to Engr. Mohammed Abba Sanda, Borno State Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee on Development around Alau Dam, the flood was caused by excessive rainfall and the inability to access Rivers Yedzaram and Gambole due to Boko Haram’s presence in nearby Sambisa Forests.
“The committee was inaugurated by Governor Babagana Zulum to establish immediate and remote causes of the failure of the Alau Dam, which received rainfall this year three times above normal annual rainfall,” Engr. Sanda explained.
READ ALSO: PDP Governors’ Forum brokers peace, lifts suspensions amid party crisis
Government Commitment to Rebuilding and Prevention
Engr. Aliyu Ibrahim Dala emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the issue, stating:
“The Federal Government Team were in Borno State to see and evaluate the current situation of the Alau Dam and other critical Dams in Nigeria. This Committee was formed as a result of the flood disaster in Maiduguri triggered by the collapse of a dyke in Alau Dam.”
A Comprehensive Approach to Dam Safety
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has graciously approved an Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee… We are all here today to evaluate the current situation with a view to proffer next line of action to desilt and overhaul the Dam.”
“We are also mandated, after detailed study, to provide the best option on how to raise the reservoir as it is the main source of drinking water and irrigation to people in Maiduguri, Jere, Mafa and other local government areas of the state.”
“Government is fully committed in supporting this very important sub-committee to carry out its mandates before the next rainy season, to ensure that not only Alau Dam is safe, but other Dams… are also safe