The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has officially commenced the N80 billion reconstruction and upgrade of the Alau Dam in Borno State. This critical infrastructure, originally built between 1984 and 1986, plays a significant role in water supply, irrigation, and flood control for the region.
Alau Dam Collapse and Its Impact
On September 10, 2024, severe flooding led to the collapse of Alau Dam, causing widespread devastation. The disaster resulted in over 30 fatalities, displacement of approximately 400,000 residents, and the disruption of agricultural activities and water supply in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
In response to the crisis, President Bola Tinubu approved an N80 billion intervention fund to facilitate the dam’s reconstruction. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) formally sanctioned the project on February 4, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to infrastructure resilience and disaster recovery.
Phased Approach to Reconstruction
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, outlined the structured two-phase approach for the Alau Dam rehabilitation project. The decision to upgrade the dam followed recommendations from a technical committee tasked with assessing the structural integrity of water infrastructure across the country.
Phase One (March – September 2025): This stage will focus on immediate interventions, including flood risk mitigation and basic infrastructure restoration.
Phase Two (October 2025 – 2027): This phase will involve comprehensive rehabilitation efforts such as desilting, structural reinforcements, and the expansion of irrigation channels to support sustainable agriculture and improved water supply.
Prof. Utsev emphasized that the reconstruction would be executed with transparency, ensuring strict adherence to quality and safety standards.
Governor Zulum Advocates Concurrent Execution
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Babagana Zulum expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s swift response. He stressed that the reconstruction is vital for restoring livelihoods, boosting the local economy, and ensuring long-term food security in Borno State.
Governor Zulum also appealed for concurrent execution of both phases to expedite project completion. He underscored the urgency of clearing silt from the water basin and restoring the dam’s full functionality.
“I urge the Honourable Minister to consider implementing both phases simultaneously to accelerate relief efforts and ensure full operational capacity,” Zulum stated.
In addition, he announced the approval of a primary school and a hospital in the Alau community as part of broader development initiatives to improve residents’ welfare.
Agricultural Boost Through Irrigation Expansion
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, highlighted the importance of integrating irrigation expansion into the project. He stated that enhancing dry-season farming capabilities would significantly boost food production and support local farmers.
Kyari further confirmed that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is prepared to collaborate with the Borno State government to maximize the agricultural potential of the Alau Dam project.
Conclusion
The N80 billion Alau Dam reconstruction marks a critical intervention in Nigeria’s water resource management and agricultural sustainability. The project not only addresses past disasters but also lays the foundation for a resilient infrastructure that will benefit generations to come.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Water Resources
READ ALSO:
Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp:
Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear:
Kindly Share:
Discover more from LMSINT MEDIA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.