Approves Construction of School, Hospital
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has emphasized that the reconstruction of the Alau Dam will restore the dignity and livelihoods of the people of Borno, who were severely impacted by the devastating flood disaster of 2024.
The Alau Dam collapsed on September 10, 2024, causing catastrophic flooding that killed several people and displaced thousands. The dam, built between 1984 and 1986, stored water from the Ngadda River, a Lake Chad tributary, and was mainly used for irrigation and as a source of tap water within Maiduguri and its environs.
The Governor made this statement on Saturday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration and rehabilitation of the Alau Dam by the federal government.
The event took place at the Alau community in Jere Local Government Area, according to a statement released on Saturday by the Governor’s media aide, Abdurraman Bundi.
Governor Zulum outlined several key benefits that the people of Borno will gain from the rehabilitation of the dam, including enhanced agricultural activities, improved water supply, flood control, economic diversification, and community empowerment.
“This groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding Borno State—not just in terms of physical infrastructure but also in restoring the livelihoods and dignity of our citizens,” Zulum said.
He added, “We understand that sustainable development is inextricably linked to the availability of water resources, and the Alau Dam is crucial in this regard.”
Zulum further explained, “The restoration and rehabilitation of this dam will bring numerous benefits to our people.”
Enhanced Agricultural Productivity: “This project will significantly improve irrigation capacity, enabling our farmers to cultivate more land and increase their yields. It will boost food security, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the overall economic development of the state.”
He acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the repair of the dam within a short period.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, who was the special guest of honor at the groundbreaking ceremony, stated that the rehabilitation will be conducted in two phases.
According to the minister, once completed, the Alau Dam will enhance the provision of drinking water and revamp agricultural activities for thousands of people around the facility.
“It is evident that the reconstruction and upgrade of Alau Dam will significantly enhance the provision of potable drinking water, support downstream irrigation, boost socio-economic activities, and enable flood control while facilitating other viable socio-economic activities capable of revamping people’s livelihoods and economic development.
“The project work is structured in two phases over a completion period of 24 months,” Prof. Utsev disclosed.
He added that phase one, scheduled between February and September 2025, will focus on critical interventions to mitigate immediate flood risks, while phase two, commencing in October 2025, will involve extensive desilting and structural enhancements to ensure the dam’s long-term functionality and resilience.
Speaking earlier in his welcome address, the Borno State Commissioner of Water Resources, Engr. Tijjani Goni Alkali, applauded the federal government for its timely intervention in rehabilitating the dam.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved the construction of a primary school and a hospital for the Alau community in Jere Local Government Area, in the central part of the state.
“I have approved the construction of a primary school and a hospital for the Alau community to ensure the development of the area,” Zulum said.
He announced the approval on Saturday at the groundbreaking ceremony and called on the people of the area to cooperate with the contractors and support the rehabilitation efforts.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water and Sanitation, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, was represented at the event by the Vice Chairman of the committee, Senator Eze Ken Emeka. The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Water and Sanitation, Hon. Sada Soli Jibia, was also in attendance.
Other dignitaries present included the Senator representing Borno Central, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan; the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; and members of the House of Representatives.
The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, led members of the Borno Emirates Council, including the Waziri of Borno, Mutawali Shettima.
Other dignitaries included the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani; the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwaah; the APC Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba; the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Engr. Abdullahi Askira; and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe.
