… Says Alau Dam Did Not Collapse
The Federal Government has attributed the overflow of Alau Dam to climate change and excessive rainfall which resulted in recent flooding in Maiduguri, Borno state capital, and assured that the Alau Dam did not collapse during the disaster.
At a press conference in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, while extending the government’s condolences to the people of Borno State following the devastating floods, warned that the worst is yet to be over.
The minister explained that flood risk warnings had identified 31 states, including Borno, as high-risk areas earlier this year.
Utsav, also warned of the increasing threat of river flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers, urging all regions to stay vigilant and take proactive measures.
He urged state governments and stakeholders to follow early warning systems and implement preventive actions to reduce future flooding.
“A team of technical experts from the ministry, various agencies, and the Chad Basin Development Authority were assessing the damage and working on solutions.
“The President’s approval of N108 billion for flood prevention across the 36 states, based on recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Flood Disaster Prevention,” the minister said.
Utsev warned residents about the risks of contaminated water and the potential for waterborne diseases and pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting affected communities.
“Government officials confirmed that climate change has intensified rainfall, leading to excess water that many dams struggle to manage.
“When this administration began, we immediately initiated studies and designs for the rehabilitation of existing dams, including Alau.
“The dam didn’t collapse, but it struggled to handle the excess water from nearby tributaries, causing overflow into surrounding areas,” the minister said.
As long-term solutions, the minister said the budgetary allocations for 2024 and 2025 are specifically targeting dam rehabilitation.
- Protesters Grounds Abuja Expressway - October 21, 2025
- Agencies Flag-Off Distribution Of Devices To Children With Disabilities - October 21, 2025
- Nigeria Deports192 Foreigners Convicted For Cyber-Terrorism, Others - October 21, 2025