Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, addressing newsmen in Abuja
Federal Government has said the N80 billion upgrade project of the Alau Dam in Borno is designed to boost irrigation and generate hydro-electric power when fully completed in 2027.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this during a working visit to the project site at the Alau community near Maiduguri.
The Alau Dam upgrade aims to serve as a source of water supply to Maiduguri and its environs, support irrigation, and enable future hydro-electric power generation.
“When completed, the Alau dam will serve as water supply to Maiduguri and its environs, irrigation and for future hydro-electric power generation,” Prof. Utsev said.
The contract was divided into two phases. The first phase is expected to end in September this year, while the second phase starts in October and ends in March 2027.
“The second phase is scheduled to commence in October and will conclude in March 2027, when the dam will be fully reconstructed.”
Prof. Utsev lauded President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Babagana Zulum for their commitment to the project, highlighting its importance to Borno and the country. Borno State is known for farming, and the upgrade aligns with ensuring adequate food production.
The minister appealed to the Government and people of Borno to sensitize local farmers in Alau community to stop planting crops at the dam’s embankment.
He also urged residents to be calm about possible flooding from the dam’s overflow.
