Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reassured residents of Maiduguri and surrounding communities that there is no cause for alarm over the rising water level at Alau Dam.
The governor gave the assurance on Saturday during an inspection tour of the ongoing reconstruction work at the dam, which is located near the state capital. His visit followed widespread anxiety among residents over potential flooding, especially after recent heavy rains in the region.
Governor Zulum acknowledged the public’s concern but maintained that current assessments showed no imminent threat.
“As at now, based on the engineering knowledge we have, we have concluded that there is no cause for alarm,” Zulum said.
He noted that new water channels have been created and are effectively diverting water, adding that the water level at the dam had already dropped by about four inches in recent days and was expected to continue falling.
While calling for calm, Zulum emphasized that his administration would continue to closely monitor the situation and ensure proactive measures were in place.
“Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, but we are working and the contractor is doing a good job. We shall continue to monitor the programme,” he said.
The governor also issued a stern warning to residents in flood-prone areas, urging them to stop dumping refuse in drainage systems and to avoid constructing buildings on water channels.
“Most importantly, I want to warn the people of this state to desist from building on waterways, and they should be very careful,” he cautioned. “If you have drainage in front of your house, you must ensure it is clean at all times.”
Zulum revealed that his administration plans to review the city’s master plan to identify and rectify distortions that have blocked natural water flows.
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“We must go back to the drawing board, look at the master plan, and ensure that all tributaries and waterways are cleared to allow the free flow of water into the main canal,” he said. “We must enforce certain environmental standards. It may be painful, but we have no option.”
On the delay in reconstruction work at Alau Dam, the governor attributed it to technical procedures but confirmed that contractors were now fully mobilized to site.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving N80 billion for the project’s execution.
The Alau Dam project is seen as critical to flood control, water supply, and agricultural development in Borno State.
