Abuja, Nigeria – September 13, 2024 – The Federal Government has announced plans to immediately commence the upgrade of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State. The decision comes in response to the recent floods that have devastated the region.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, made the announcement during a visit to Maiduguri on Thursday. He was accompanied by the Minister of State, Bello Goronyo, and a team of technical experts.
The Alau Dam has been overflowing, causing flooding and displacing residents in Maiduguri. The government’s plan is to upgrade the dam to prevent future flooding and mitigate the impact of climate change.
“We are committed to a thorough overhaul of this critical infrastructure,” said Minister Utsev. “Any poor performance by contractors or officials involved will not go unpunished.”
The government will also provide sanitation kits and water treatment facilities to displaced persons and work with the state government to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
The Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum, welcomed the government’s intervention and stressed the importance of conducting a detailed study of the dam to assess its capacity and develop flood forecasting systems.
Recall: Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, is facing a devastating flood crisis after the Alau Dam collapsed on Tuesday morning. The city is submerged in water, with many residents comparing the current situation to the severe floods of 1994.
A video shared by Nigerian Television Authority shows the extent of the damage, with people stranded and unable to return to their homes. Hundreds of families have been displaced, forced to spend the night outdoors.
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