The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has appealed to the Borno State government and residents to halt all farming activities at the embankment of the ongoing Alau Dam reconstruction project. This appeal came during his inspection visit to the site, where he emphasized the need for a state-wide sensitization campaign to prevent interference with the reconstruction process. The dam, which collapsed in September 2024 and caused deadly floods, is being rebuilt in two phases, with the first phase expected to end by September 2025 and the second to be completed by March 2027.
Utsev revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved N80 billion for the project under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The upgraded dam will not only provide drinking water to Maiduguri and its environs but also support irrigation farming and hydrogen power generation. He assured the public that flooding risks were under control, citing the dam’s current water level as safe and measures in place to release excess water when necessary. He praised the collaborative efforts of President Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum in ensuring the project’s success.
In addition to urging farmers to avoid disrupting the dam’s reconstruction, the Minister thanked the media for effectively disseminating government policies. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made and reiterated the federal government’s commitment to food security and infrastructure development in the region.
