FG Approves N80 Billion for Alau Dam Reconstruction to Prevent Flooding
The Federal Government has approved N80 billion for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Alau Dam in Borno State.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, announced the approval after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, stating that the Borno State government is partnering with the Federal Government on the project. The reconstruction is expected to be completed within 24 months, with the first phase set for completion between February and July.
Utsev also provided an update on the National Committee on Dam Evaluation, which was established on September 23, 2024, and inaugurated on October 2, 2024. He revealed that after assessing 35 dams nationwide, the committee identified Alau Dam as the most critical and in urgent need of reconstruction.
“The mandate of that committee was to assess all dams in the country. The committee constituted a subcommittee which co-opted engineers and dam experts,” he said.
“The committee has assessed about 35 dams so far. The interim report was presented to FEC. We saw some challenges as a result of flooding on the 10th of September last year.”
He further explained that after thorough analysis and design assessments, the report was presented to President Bola Tinubu, who approved the N80 billion funding for the project.
“The report was made before Mr. President, who approved N80 billion for the reconstruction and expansion of Alau Dam immediately, in Borno State.
“So, as it stands now, the approval is awaiting ratification of the FEC when all other due processes are observed.
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“We believe that between now and July, the first component of that work will be established so there will be no flooding in Maiduguri.
“The other components like desilting will commence by December,” he added.
The reconstruction of Alau Dam is expected to improve water supply, prevent future flooding, and support agricultural activities in the region.
