The Federal Government has assured the public that the Alau Dam in Borno State did not collapse during recent flooding, attributing the overflow to climate change and excessive rainfall.
The government also warned that the worst is yet to be over as more water is still expected.
At a press conference in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, extended the government’s condolences to the people of Borno State following the devastating floods.
The minister noted that earlier this year, a flood risk warning identified 31 states, including Borno, as high-risk areas.
He said a team of technical experts from the ministry, various agencies, and the Chad Basin Development Authority were assessing the damage and working on solutions.
Utsev warned residents about the risks of contaminated water and the potential for waterborne diseases.
He 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 disclosed 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.
Utsev urged state governments and stakeholders to follow early warning systems and implement preventive actions to reduce future flooding.
The minister pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting affected communities, saying technical teams were assessing dams nationwide and planning upgrades.
“Government officials confirmed that climate change has intensified rainfall, leading to excess water that many dams are struggling 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”.
He added that long-term solutions are underway, with budgetary allocations for 2024 and 2025 specifically targeting dam rehabilitation.
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