FEC forms committee to re-evaluate Alau Dam, other flood mitigation projects

FEC forms committee to re-evaluate Alau Dam, other flood mitigation projects

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the formation of a committee to evaluate the integrity of the Alau Dam and other dams nationwide.

Additionally, FEC has established a Disaster Relief Fund, featuring members from both government and the Organized Private Sector, aimed at consolidating resources to address future disasters in the country.

The approvals were announced yesterday by Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, following a federal cabinet meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

This initiative comes in response to the devastation from recent flooding in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, and other regions across the country.

Earlier, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized to journalists that the FEC is taking the flooding in Maiduguri seriously and is working diligently to prevent future incidents.

He noted that the situation in Maiduguri was the first topic discussed during the council meeting.

Following the meeting, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, stated that the newly formed committee will develop detailed designs and make recommendations for the comprehensive reconstruction of the Alau Dam for future use.

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He revealed that the council extensively addressed the flooding situation across the country, with a particular focus on Maiduguri.

Utsev recalled that in 2022, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources had requested increased funding from the National Assembly and support from the Borno State government to address issues with the Alau Dam, which is now 38 years old.

He stated, “In 2022, we faced a problem with one of the dam’s components. The Minister of Water Resources wrote to the National Assembly to secure additional funds for the dam’s rehabilitation and reconstruction to improve water supply, irrigation, and flood control.”

He also mentioned discussions with the management of Lagdo Dam regarding the release of 100 cubic meters of water over seven days, warning those living along the Benue River valley.

On his part, the Finance Minister, Wale Edun, echoed the importance of addressing the flooding crisis in Maiduguri at the start of the FEC meeting.

He stated that President directed the establishment of a Disaster Relief Fund to enhance resilience against future disasters.

“While NEMA exists, the President believes that in this era of climate change, disasters will continue to occur despite prevention efforts. We need a robust Disaster Relief Fund, distinct from existing agencies, to focus on financing,” he explained.

Edun added that this fund will involve collaboration from federal, state, and local levels, as well as the private sector and international organizations, and will be led by top corporate governance to ensure a resilient and skilled response to such events, like those experienced in Borno and elsewhere.

“We know no matter how we pray against it, we know this will happen from time to time so we need to be ready.”