Nigeria’s Federal Government has officially flagged off the reconstruction and upgrade of Alau Dam in Maiduguri. The endeavor is deemed a critical infrastructure project aimed at flood control, water supply, and economic revitalization in the region. These remarks were issued by Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev during the flag-off ceremony. The project also reaffirms the administration’s commitment to enhancing water resource infrastructure. Prof. Utsev that the reconstruction project was necessitated by the devastating floods late last year.
The floods severely impacted Maiduguri and surrounding communities. He asserted that the approval for the project was following an assessment by a high-powered Technical Committee on Dam Evaluation. It is through these assessments that President Tinubu availed the funds needed for the full reconstruction and upgrade of the dam. The Minister noted that the project is set to be executed in two phases over 24 months. “This will begin with immediate intervention from March 2025 to September 2025 to mitigate flood risks,” he added.
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The Scope of Implementation of the Reconstruction and Upgrade of Alau Dam
Prof. Utsev noted that the second phase of reconstruction and upgrade of the Alau Dam will focus on extensive desilting. Moreover, it will involve structural enhancements for long-term resilience. He also noted that the second phase will run from October 2025 to March 2027. The minister assured residents of Maiduguri that the government is committed to ensure successful implementation. This will be done through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation will provide full support for the project’s execution. Furthermore, the minister urged contractors and engineers to uphold the highest standards of quality, safety and environmental responsibility. He also stressed that the project was crucial to restoring hope and security in the state. Utsev disclosed that the committee accessed 35 dams after its inauguration and considered the Alau dam the most critical and immediate for reconstruction and rehabilitation.
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