President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved N80 billion for the expansion and rehabilitation of the Alau Dam in Borno State. This decision comes in response to the devastating floods in Maiduguri and surrounding areas in September 2024, which were attributed to the overflow of the Alau Dam. The flooding resulted in significant displacement and damage to infrastructure.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, confirmed the federal government’s commitment to repairing and desilting the dam before the onset of the next rainy season. A technical committee has been established to assess the dam’s integrity and provide recommendations for its reconstruction. The committee’s findings are expected to be presented to President Tinubu in December 2024.
The “Tinubu Approves Massive N80bn for Alau Dam Expansion to Avert Future Flood Disasters!” initiative is a major step toward preventing a recurrence of the recent disaster. The Alau Dam, constructed 38 years ago, serves as a primary source of drinking water and irrigation for Maiduguri, Jere, Mafa, and other local government areas. The planned expansion aims to enhance the dam’s capacity to manage water flow, thereby mitigating future flooding risks and bolstering water supply for domestic and agricultural use.
This initiative aligns with the federal government’s broader strategy to rehabilitate critical infrastructure and prevent natural disasters. In a related development, President Tinubu recently approved N95 billion for the rehabilitation of over 16 dams in Kano State and the construction of the Eastern Bypass Road, a project aimed at linking the southern part of the region to Kano city.
The approval of funds for the Alau Dam underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges and supporting the livelihoods of communities in Bornu State. The government plans to expedite the rehabilitation process to ensure the dam’s readiness before the next rainy season, thereby preventing another flooding catastrophe.
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