GOVERNOR of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has moved to calm growing public anxiety over rising water levels at the Alau Dam, assuring residents of Maiduguri that the situation remains under control and that proactive measures are already in place to mitigate any risk of flooding.
The reassurance follows days of heightened concern among residents, especially those living in flood-prone neighborhoods of the state capital, after persistent rainfall raised alarm over potential overflow from the dam.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday shortly after inspecting the ongoing reconstruction and reinforcement work at the Alau Dam site, Zulum acknowledged the public apprehension but emphasized that expert assessments indicate no immediate danger.
“As at now, based on the engineering knowledge we are having, we concluded that there is no cause for alarm,” the governor said confidently.
According to him, strategic water channels have already been opened to reduce pressure on the dam, resulting in a visible drop in water levels by approximately four inches in recent days with more reductions expected as drainage continues.
While assuring the public, Governor Zulum was also careful not to create a false sense of security.
“Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow. We are working and shall continue to monitor this programme. The contractor is doing a good job,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of constant monitoring and adaptive responses, praising the engineers and technical teams working around the clock to strengthen the dam infrastructure.
Beyond technical solutions, Governor Zulum used the opportunity to highlight the critical role of residents in flood prevention, especially through responsible waste disposal and urban planning habits.
“Most importantly, I want to warn the people of this state to desist from building on waterways,” he said. “If you have a drainage in front of your house, you have to make sure you clean it all the time.”
The governor lamented that blocked drainage systems, illegal structures along waterways, and haphazard urban development have compounded flooding risks in recent years. He warned that such negligence cannot continue without consequences.
Looking ahead, Zulum revealed that the state government plans to revisit and revise Maiduguri’s master plan to restore order to the city’s waterways and improve environmental resilience.
“We must go back to the drawing board and then look at the master plan and ensure that all tributaries and all waterways shall be cleared so as to allow inflow of water to the main canal,” he said.
“We must enforce certain environmental standards, which is very painful, but I believe we have no option.”
According to Zulum, painful but necessary policy enforcement will be crucial to avoiding disasters in the future and building a more flood-resilient Maiduguri.
Addressing concerns about the pace of work at Alau Dam, Zulum acknowledged some delays in the project’s timeline but clarified that these were caused by technical procedures, not neglect.
“Yes, there were delays, but contractors are now fully on site and work is progressing,” he affirmed.
As Borno State continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, urban expansion, and post-conflict reconstruction, Governor Zulum’s proactive inspection and transparent communication aim to restore public confidence and avert potential disaster.
Residents, however, have been urged to play their part by observing urban regulations, maintaining clean drainage systems, and avoiding constructions on flood pathways as the government works to protect lives and infrastructure.