Zulum, Shehu of Borno Urge FG to Expedite Alau Dam Project

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi, have called on the Federal Government to speed up the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam to prevent future flooding disasters.

Their appeal came during the Shehu's traditional Sallah visit to the governor at the Government House in Maiduguri. Both leaders emphasized the urgency of the project, especially with the rainy season approaching.

Governor Zulum expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the dam’s reconstruction, warning that immediate action is necessary to avoid a repeat of the devastating 2024 floods that affected Maiduguri and neighboring LGAs.

“Despite the groundbreaking ceremony we all witnessed, the pace of work is far below expectations,” Zulum said. “I’ve raised the issue with both the President and the Vice President. I won’t give up until it’s resolved. Meanwhile, a state committee has been set up for urgent interventions.”

Earlier this year, the Federal Government allocated ₦80 billion for the dam’s reconstruction to prevent another collapse and resulting floods. The project officially began in March with a groundbreaking ceremony.

Zulum also pledged to connect all local government headquarters in Borno to the national electricity grid by the end of his term and announced plans for major road repairs once the Pulka Quarry plant becomes operational.

“These are priorities for me,” he added. “We’ve already acquired 40 new tipper trucks to support extensive road works.”

He thanked the Shehu and Borno residents for their continued support.

In his response, the Shehu praised Zulum’s developmental efforts but urged the Federal Government to act swiftly on the dam project, recalling the severe flooding of September 10, 2024. He warned that recent floods in Mokwa signaled a looming danger.

The Shehu also pressed the governor to maintain pressure on the Federal Government regarding oil exploration in Tuba, infrastructure upgrades, and electricity expansion.

Governor Zulum also received Sallah homage from several institutions, including the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim University, and multiple federal hospitals.

Source

Punch

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