Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has called on the federal government to urgently rebuild the collapsed Alau Dam to prevent another devastating flood as the rainy season approaches. Zulum stressed the need for immediate action, noting that rainfall is expected in parts of Borno by March, leaving limited time for reconstruction.
“By next week, we will be in January, and rainfall will begin in some areas of Borno State by March. The earlier we start, the better,” Zulum said on Monday while receiving the assessment report on the dam’s collapse.
The governor recounted the severe impact of the September 10, 2024, floods, which resulted from the release of over 112 million cubic litres of water from the dam. The disaster caused extensive damage, affecting hundreds of lives and destroying property worth billions of naira.
Zulum vowed to press for federal government intervention, stating, “As a state government, we will push this matter to its conclusion. If no action is taken soon, I will personally visit the President to appeal for the Northeast Development Commission to take over and commence reconstruction immediately.”
He also cautioned against delays, emphasizing that timely action is crucial. “If we wait for bureaucracy, we may run out of time. Starting early with strong commitment will allow us to rebuild a substantial portion of the dam,” he said.
Despite the state’s limited financial resources, Zulum reassured residents that the government would work closely with the federal authorities to avert another disaster. He also commended the assessment committee for implementing temporary solutions, such as constructing an earth embankment to conserve water and minimize further damage.
Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to repairing the dam before the rainy season begins.
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Chronicles Reporters