By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) has called on the Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Water Resources, to expedite the reconstruction of the collapsed Alau Dam, located between Konduga and Jere Local Government Areas of Borno State.

The Senator’s appeal follows concerns over the slow pace of work on the N80 billion dam project, which commenced in March 2025 after a groundbreaking ceremony. The reconstruction was initiated in response to the devastating flood that struck Maiduguri and its environs on September 10, 2024, claiming multiple lives and submerging properties worth billions of naira.

Our correspondent observed that despite the approval and official launch, progress on-site remains slow, prompting increasing anxiety among residents and stakeholders as the 2025 rainy season begins.

Governor Babagana Zulum, during the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House in Maiduguri, had also expressed concern over the project’s sluggish pace. His remarks came in response to an appeal by the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, urging the government to fast-track the work to prevent another disaster.

In an interview with newsmen on Sunday, Senator Ndume stressed the urgency of completing the project in light of climate-related predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which have warned of potential flooding across several states, including Borno.

“As we prepare for the 2025 rainy season, I call on the Federal Government—especially the Ministry of Water Resources—to accelerate the reconstruction of the collapsed Alau Dam,” Ndume said.

“While it is commendable that N80 billion has been approved for the dam’s reconstruction and expansion, it is unfortunate that the work has been moving at a slow pace. Even Governor Zulum and the Shehu of Borno have raised concerns.

“I wish to add my voice to theirs and stress the need for timely completion of the project to mitigate the impact of anticipated floods. We must not allow a repeat of last year’s disaster, where communities in Borno suffered immense losses of lives and property due to the collapse of the dam’s dykes,” he added.