Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar El-Kanemi, have called on the Federal Government to speed up the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam to prevent a repeat of the devastating 2024 flood.
They made the appeal on Saturday during the traditional Sallah homage by the Shehu to the governor at the Government House in Maiduguri, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Zulum expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the dam project, warning that with the rainy season setting in, urgent action was required to avert another disaster.
He said, “After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected.
“The last time I visited the President, I informed him about the true state of the project. I assure you I will not relent. I will continue to follow up, and I have also notified the Vice President.”
The governor added that a state-level committee had been set up to provide immediate interventions while awaiting federal action.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that earlier this year, the Federal Government approved N80bn for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam following its collapse, which caused widespread flooding in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.
A formal groundbreaking ceremony for the project was held in March.
Zulum also promised that his administration would connect all local government headquarters in the state to the national electricity grid before the end of his tenure.
He said, “These are two critical issues dear to me. I assure Your Royal Highness that all local government headquarters will be connected to electricity before my tenure expires, Insha Allah.”
The governor added that massive road rehabilitation would begin across the state once the Pulka Quarry plant was completed.
“We have procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks, and once the Pulka Quarry plant is completed, we will embark on extensive road rehabilitation,” he said.
The Shehu of Borno, in his remarks, also urged the Federal Government to expedite work on the Alau Dam, noting that the first phase should have been completed by now.
“We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri on 10th September 2024, and we do not want a repeat. The Federal Government must act immediately,” he said.
He also referenced the recent flooding in Mokwa, describing it as a warning sign, and called on Zulum to continue engaging the Federal Government on critical issues like oil exploration in Tuba, road infrastructure, and electricity access.
