Open Alau Dam gate if flood is suspected — Minister
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has assured residents of Maiduguri and Jere that there is no imminent flood threat from the Alau Dam, despite the rising water level. He noted that the situation is under control. The minister gave the assurance on Thursday while leading a federal government […]
joseph utsev
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has assured residents of Maiduguri and Jere that there is no imminent flood threat from the Alau Dam, despite the rising water level.
He noted that the situation is under control.
The minister gave the assurance on Thursday while leading a federal government delegation to inspect the ongoing upgrade of the Alau Dam, a project awarded under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“There is no cause for alarm as we are fully in control. The dam is designed to hold up to 329 cubic metres of water. The current volume is 326.8, which is still below capacity,” he said.
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“However, should there be any suspicion of an impending flood, I have instructed the dam management to open one of the gates to allow the free flow of water. We are very happy with the current status,” he added.
Utsev, who expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the site, appealed to the Borno State Government to sensitise local farmers against cultivating on dam land, saying it is slowing down the pace of construction.
“We are here in Borno to assess the level of work at the Alau Dam. Originally constructed to provide drinking water, the dam is now being upgraded under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He approved N80 billion for its reconstruction and expansion. Once completed, it will support irrigation and serve as a source of hydroelectric power,” the minister explained.