The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that the Alau Dam in Borno State did not collapse during the recent floods. The reassurance comes amidst widespread concerns about the dam’s condition following severe flooding in the region.
In a briefing held in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, addressed the public’s fears, explaining that the flooding was due to excessive rainfall and the effects of climate change, rather than a dam failure.
“We want to clarify that the Alau Dam did not collapse,” Utsev said. “The overflow was caused by an unusual amount of rainfall and climate change, which have intensified this year’s flooding.”
The minister extended the government’s condolences to those affected by the flooding and emphasized that earlier this year, flood risk warnings had identified 31 states, including Borno, as high-risk areas
Utsev detailed the steps being taken by the government to address the flooding. A team of technical experts from the Ministry of Water Resources, various agencies, and the Chad Basin Development Authority are currently assessing the damage and working on solutions.
“We are working diligently with experts to evaluate the extent of the damage and to develop strategies to prevent future occurrences,” Utsev stated.
The minister also warned residents about the risks of contaminated water and the potential for waterborne diseases. He stressed the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect public health during such emergencies.
In response to the increasing frequency and severity of floods, the Federal Government has approved N108 billion for flood prevention across all 36 states. This funding is based on recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Flood Disaster Prevention.
Utsev revealed that the budgetary allocations for 2024 and 2025 are specifically aimed at the rehabilitation of existing dams, including the Alau Dam. He assured the public that the government is committed to supporting affected communities and implementing long-term solutions.
“When this administration took office, we immediately initiated studies and designs for the rehabilitation of existing dams,” Utsev said. “The Alau Dam struggled with the excess water from nearby tributaries, leading to overflow, but it did not collapse.”
The Federal Government’s response to the flooding crisis includes a comprehensive approach to managing and upgrading the country’s dam infrastructure. Utsev emphasized that climate change has led to more intense rainfall, which many dams are struggling to handle.
“We are fully aware that climate change has intensified the rainfall, and our dams are facing challenges in managing the excess water,” he said. “Long-term solutions are being developed to ensure that our dams can better withstand future weather events.”
Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, also urged the media to exercise caution when reporting on sensitive issues related to the floods.
“It is important to provide accurate information and avoid causing unnecessary panic among the public,” Goronyo advised.
The government’s commitment to addressing the flooding crisis includes not only immediate relief efforts but also long-term planning and infrastructure improvements. Technical teams are assessing dams nationwide to identify vulnerabilities and plan necessary upgrades.
“We are dedicated to supporting affected communities and ensuring that our infrastructure can cope with the challenges posed by climate change,” Utsev added. “Our goal is to reduce the impact of flooding and enhance the resilience of our water management systems.”
