By Adeyemi Adekunle
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has called on the Federal Government to urgently rebuild the collapsed Alau Dam to avert another humanitarian crisis in Maiduguri and its environs.
The Governor made the plea on Monday in Maiduguri while receiving the Assessment and Investigation Report (AIR) on the dam’s collapse.
The Alau Dam, which has served as a critical source of potable water for the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council for 38 years, suffered a catastrophic failure in September due to heavy floods, resulting in widespread destruction of lives, property, and farmlands.
With only four months left before the next rainy season, Zulum stressed the need for immediate intervention to rebuild the three washed-off dykes of the dam.
“The breakdown of this dam has created untold hardships for our people. We have very limited time to fix the dykes before the rains return,” the Governor said. “The earlier the rebuilding commences, the better for our residents and farmers who depend on this water source for survival.”
Zulum emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning against delays caused by bureaucratic bottlenecks. “If we decide to wait for bureaucracy, I am afraid we will run out of time in rebuilding this dam,” he cautioned. The Governor revealed plans to personally engage with President Bola Tinubu to advocate for expedited action and, if necessary, to request that the North East Development Commission (NEDC) take over the reconstruction project.
The dam’s collapse has far-reaching implications for residents and farmers in the region. The water it provided not only sustained thousands of households but also supported irrigation for agricultural activities vital to the local economy. The Governor noted that the current situation has left many vulnerable, with the risk of further devastation if the dam is not restored before the next rainy season.
In the interim, Zulum assured residents that the state government had taken temporary measures to mitigate the immediate risks posed by the dam’s collapse. “Our committee has implemented steps to prevent further water spillage from the damaged structure,” he explained.
Despite the state’s limited resources, Zulum pledged to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to ensure a permanent solution. He called for a collaborative effort to not only rebuild the dam but also implement measures that would prevent future disasters.
“This is not just about rebuilding a dam; it is about safeguarding lives, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring the future stability of our communities,” he said.
The Governor’s impassioned plea reflects the growing concerns of residents in the region, who continue to grapple with the aftermath of the floods. The Alau Dam is a critical infrastructure for the survival of Maiduguri and its surrounding communities, and its restoration has become an urgent priority.
Governor Zulum’s call for swift federal intervention underscores the importance of proactive governance in addressing the immediate and long-term challenges posed by climate-related disasters. With time running out, the pressure is on for decisive action to rebuild the dam and protect the people of Borno State.
