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, said after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting that the Borno State government is partnering with the Federal Government on the project.
It is to be completed within 24 months.
He said the first phase would be completed between February and July.
The minister also provided an update on the National Committee on Dam Evaluation, which was constituted on September 23, 2024, and inaugurated on October 2, 2024. He explained that after assessing 35 dams, the committee identified the Alau Dam as the most critical and in urgent need of reconstruction and rehabilitation.
He said: “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.
“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.
“So, the designs, analysis and everything of Alau dam was done and presented to the sub-committee.
“The report was made before Mr President, who approved N80 billion for the reconstruction and expansion of Alau dam immediately, in Bono state.
“So, as it stands now, the approval is awaiting ratification of the FEC when all other due processes are observed.
“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.”
