By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, weekend, officially flagged off the N80 billion reconstruction and upgrade of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State.

According to a statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Funmi Imuetinyan, performing the ceremony at the Alau dam site in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, FNSE, stated that the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, reflecting the administration’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerians.

Utsev also recalled that the devastating flood of 10th September 2024, which affected Maiduguri and surrounding communities, necessitated the urgent intervention by the Federal Government.

The Minister explained that following a comprehensive assessment by a high-powered Technical Committee on Evaluation of Dams in the country, President Tinubu approved the sum of ₦80 billion for the full reconstruction and upgrade of the Alau Dam.

He added that the project will be executed in two phases over 24 months, Phase One which is the immediate intervention to mitigate flood risks will span from March 2025 to September 2025, while the second Phase which consists of extensive desilting and structural enhancement to ensure long-term resilience will span from October 2025 to March 2027.

He (Utsev) assured the good people of Borno State that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation will continue to provide requisite support for the project’s implementation.

However, he urged the contractors and engineers handling the execution of the project to uphold the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental stewardship stressing that the project is crucial to restoring hope and security in Borno State.

The Minister further emphasized that the Alau Dam project symbolizes resilience and progress and called on all stakeholders in the area to remain committed to its success.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Senator Abubakar Kyari for their contributions in making the project a reality.

The Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritizing Borno State’s needs while highlighting the socio-economic benefits of the upgraded dam, including potable water supply, irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation.

“This project signifies not just the repair of a physical structure but the revitalization of hope and prosperity for our people. This groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to Borno State, not just in terms of infrastructure but also in restoring livelihoods and dignity to our citizens”, Zulum said.

He also assured the Federal Government of the full support of the Borno State Government in ensuring smooth execution of the project and appealed for both phases to be executed concurrently to ensure the desilting of critical waterways.

Meanwhile, goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Water Resources, Senator Kenneth Eze; and Chairman, House Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, Rt. Hon. Sada Soli.

In his vote of thanks, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving funds for the reconstruction and upgrade of the dam as well as Honourable Minister Prof Utsev and Governor Zulum for their collaboration, the National Assembly members, the Shehu of Borno, engineers, and project consultants for their dedication and support.

Earlier, while providing technical insights on the project, the Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation Engr Ali Dallah, detailed the scope of work which include the reconstruction of dykes 1A and 1B as a single dam with a new auxiliary spillway, New intake structure and expansion of penstock pipes for multiple uses, the rehabilitation of dykes 1C, 2, and 3 and replacement of control gates as well as the comprehensive safety management and training programs among others.