Minister Pledges Continued Support For Borno State’s Water Projects

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev has assured the people of Borno State that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation will continue to provide requisite support for full reconstruction and upgrade of the Alau Dam.

The Minister made the pledge at the flagged off of the Reconstruction and Upgrade of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State, north east part of the country on Saturday.

The landmark project underscores government commitment to enhancing water resource infrastructure, ensuring flood control, and fostering economic growth in the region.

Professor Utsev stated that “the project aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reflecting the administration’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerians.”

He noted that the devastating flood of 10th September 2024, which affected Maiduguri and surrounding communities, necessitated the urgent intervention by the Nigerian Government.

The Minister said that following a comprehensive assessment by a high-powered Technical Committee on Evaluation of Dams in the country, President Tinubu approved the sum of N80b for the full reconstruction and upgrade of the Alau Dam.

Prof. Utsev said that the project will be executed in two phases over 24 months, Phase One which is the immediate intervention to mitigate flood risks will span from March 2025 to September 2025, while the second Phase which consists of extensive desilting and structural enhancement to ensure long-term resilience will span from October 2025 to March 2027.

He urged the contractors and engineers handling the execution of the project to uphold the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental stewardship stressing that “the project is crucial to restoring hope and security in Borno State.”

The Minister further emphasised that the Alau Dam project symbolises resilience and progress and called on all stakeholders in the area to remain committed to its success.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Senator Abubakar Kyari for their contributions in making the project a reality.

In his remarks, the Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritising Borno State’s needs.

He highlighted the socio-economic benefits of the upgraded dam, including potable water supply, irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation.

Governor Zulum said that;
“This project signifies not just the repair of a physical structure but the revitalization of hope and prosperity for our people. This groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to the Nigerian Government’s unwavering commitment to Borno State, not just in terms of infrastructure but also in restoring livelihoods and dignity to our citizens.”

He assured the Nigerian Government of the full support of the Borno State Government in ensuring smooth execution of the project and appealed for both phases to be executed concurrently to ensure the desilting of critical waterways.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Kenneth Eze, Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Water Resources, Sada Soli as well as the Chairman, House Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation.

In his vote of thanks, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving funds for the reconstruction and upgrade of the dam.

He also thanked the Water Resources Minister, Prof. Utsev and Governor Zulum for their collaboration, the National Assembly members, the Shehu of Borno, engineers, and project consultants for their dedication and support.

Providing technical insights on the Project, Ali Dallah who happens to be the Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation detailed the scope of work which include; the reconstruction of dykes 1A and 1B as a single dam with a new auxiliary spillway, New intake structure and expansion of penstock pipes for multiple uses, the rehabilitation of dykes 1C, 2, and 3 and replacement of control gates as well as the comprehensive safety management and training programmes among others

PR/TERVER