FIC Report (Borno State) – Following president Bola Tinubu’s approval of funds for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Alau Dam, the Honourable minister of water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Professor Joseph Utsev, met today with a delegation from the Borno State Government to discuss preparations for the project’s commencement.
The meeting,held with key stakeholders including the permanent secretary of the water Resources and Sanitation, Mr Richard pheelangwah, the chairman and members of the Technical sub committee on the evaluation of Dams in Nigeria, and the Acting managing Director of the Chad Basin Development Authority focused on setting the stage for the Alau Dam project.
Professor Utsev started that the meeting followed his discussions with Borno State Governor professor Babagana Umara Zulum. It aims to ensure a collaborative effort between the federal and Borno State Governments to establish a clear roadmap and recommendations for the contractor to ensure effective execution.
The minister highlighted the work of the inter ministerial Technical committee, which he chairs, tasked with assessing the integrity of dams and reservoirs across Nigeria.The committee has evaluated 35 dams, with an interim report already submitted. However, Alau Dam was prioritized due to its urgent needs for intervention, leading to the projects accelerated approval and an allocation of #80 billion from president Bola Tinubu for it’s rehabilitation.
Professor Utsev assured the delegation that the project would be completed within, 24 months. The first phase is set to begin this month, concluding in July, with the second phase to commence in October. He stressed the importance of Borno State involvement in the project and called for adequate security provisions at the site to ensure smooth progress.
The permanent secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, emphasized that the success of the project depends on the strong synergy between the federal and Borno state government.
Engr. Tijani Goni, Borno State’s Commissioner for water Resources and leader of the delegation, thanked professor Utsev for his personal commitment to the Alau Dam project. He reassured the minister that the Borno State government would provide necessary security and work closely with the contractor to ensure timely completion. He further expressed gratitude to president Bola Tinubu and professor Utsev for their support, highlighting the significant impact the project would have on the state.
The rehabilitation of Alau is expected to boost irrigation farming in Borno State, enhance hydro power generation in the North/East, and improve the livelihoods of local communities.
Signed
Bunu Alkali Abdulsalam
PIO , FIC Maiduguri
