MAIDUGURI — A wave of panic has swept through Maiduguri, capital of Borno State, as residents express deep anxiety over the rising water level at the Alau Dam, a year after a catastrophic flood ravaged the metropolis.
The fear has been intensified by recent downpours that have flooded many streets and graveyards, and led to the collapse of at least eight buildings across the city.
The widespread concern prompted Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum to visit the site of the dam’s ongoing reconstruction.
Acknowledging the serious concern among the populace, the governor worked to allay fears, insisting there was “no cause for alarm.”
Governor Zulum noted that new channels have been opened, and the water was running, stating that the water level in the dam has dropped by about four inches in the last few days.
“As at now based on the engineering knowledge we are having, we concluded that there is no cause for alarm,” Zulum stated.
He added a note of caution, emphasizing that the situation is being closely monitored.
“However, nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, we are working and shall continue to monitor this programme. The contractor is doing a good job.”
In response to the recurring flooding, the governor sternly warned residents against behaviors that exacerbate the problem.
He admonished those in flood-prone areas for dumping refuse into drainage systems of and building structures on waterways.
“Most importantly, I want to warn the people of this state to desist from building on water ways, and they should be very careful,” he said.
The governor also urged residents to take personal responsibility, adding, “if you have drainage in front of your house, you have to make sure you clean it all the time.”
Zulum indicated that his administration would review the city’s master plan to address the long-term issues causing the frequent flooding.
“But we must go back to the drawing board and then look at the master plan and ensure that all tributaries and all water ways shall be cleared so as to allow inflow of water to the main canal,” he stated, noting that enforcing environmental standards would be essential, though potentially unpopular.
“We must enforce certain environmental standards, which is very painful but I believe we have no option.”
The governor attributed a previous delay in the dam’s reconstruction to technical procedures but assured the public that work had fully resumed.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the N80 billion designated for the project.
