The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has initiated a comprehensive evaluation of the Alau Dam in Borno State to determine its structural soundness. This action follows a destructive flood in Maiduguri, the state capital, reportedly caused by a section of the dam collapsing.
Similarly, the Kano State government recently conducted a thorough inspection of the Tiga Dam to confirm its safety. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, announced this during a press briefing in Abuja to mark the 2024 World Rivers Day. The ministry is actively assessing the Alau Dam’s condition and has also organized activities like tree planting and river clearing at the Jabi Lake in Abuja.
World Rivers Day aims to raise awareness about the significance of rivers and encourage global efforts to protect water bodies. Prof Utsev expressed solidarity with Borno State following the recent flood disaster and emphasized the ministry’s commitment to preventing such incidents in the future.
Regarding the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, which released controlled water to prevent downstream flooding in Nigeria, Prof Utsev instructed the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency to monitor the situation closely. State governments along the Benue River were advised to stay vigilant and implement precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property.
The inspection team at the Tiga Dam in Kano, led by government officials and experts, confirmed the dam’s stability after a comprehensive review. They also planned to assess other dams in the state, including Bagwai and Challawa. In response to the Maiduguri floods, the United States provided humanitarian aid to affected individuals through various relief efforts in collaboration with international organizations.
The US government appreciated the resilience of the local population and the efforts of aid workers and first responders in providing essential services during this challenging period.