President Tinubu has approved N80 billion for the Alau Dam expansion in Borno. This project aims to rehabilitate the dam, pending FEC ratification. An inter-ministerial committee is assessing various dams nationwide to recommend necessary improvements. The project is expected to start with de-silting in December and aims for completion within 24 months.
President Bola Tinubu has allocated N80 billion for the reconstruction and expansion of the Alau Dam located in Borno. The official confirmation of this decision was made by Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources, during a press briefing following the second Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting of the year. The rehabilitation project of the dam awaits official ratification by the FEC.
The inter-ministerial committee responsible for dam assessments was established on September 23, 2024, and includes various ministers and the National Security Adviser. Inaugurated on October 2, the committee aims to evaluate the condition of dams throughout the country and propose enhancements for their optimal use. As part of this effort, a sub-committee composed of members from engineering and dam regulation societies will assist in the assessments.
So far, the committee has evaluated approximately 35 dams across Nigeria and has submitted an interim report to the Federal Executive Council. Prof. Utsev highlighted the significance of the Alau Dam, noting challenges identified from recent flooding that occurred on September 10, 2024. The evaluation of the remaining dams is ongoing and is expected to provide further insights to the government and the public.
Utsev assured that the Borno state government is collaborating with the sub-committee to initiate the project, aiming for the first phase to be completed before July. Initial plans include de-silting operations starting in December, with the entire project scheduled for completion within 24 months. This initiative is crucial to enhance the dam’s functionality and mitigate future flooding issues.
The approval for the Alau Dam expansion by President Bola Tinubu is significant for flood management and water resources in Nigeria, particularly in Borno state. Dams play a critical role in water management, flood control, and providing irrigation for agriculture. The established committee is tasked with ensuring that the infrastructure meets modern standards and effectively serves the community’s needs. The Alau Dam’s rehabilitation aligns with the government’s broader goals of improving national infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
The approval of N80 billion for the Alau Dam expansion signifies the Nigerian government’s commitment to enhancing water management and infrastructure resilience against flooding. The establishment of a dedicated inter-ministerial committee ensures systematic oversight for dam assessments and improvements nationwide. This project aims to not only restore but also upgrade the dam’s capacity for effective resource management, with an anticipated completion period of 24 months after starting the initial phase.
Original Source: nannews.ng
