Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
In a significant move to enhance water management and infrastructure resilience, the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) has officially awarded the contract for the upgrade and repairs of the Alau Dam, with the selected contractor already mobilized to the site and commenced work.
The development comes as part of broader efforts to strengthen the dam’s structural integrity, improve its operational efficiency, and mitigate potential flood risks in the region. The CBDA, in a public notice, also addressed concerns over the ongoing release of water through the dam’s spillway, urging residents not to panic upon seeing increased water flow under the Lagos Bridge and Gwange Bridge in Maiduguri, Borno State, as the discharge is a controlled measure to regulate water levels and prevent overflow.
The Alau Dam, a critical infrastructure for irrigation, hydropower, and flood control in the region, has been slated for comprehensive rehabilitation to address wear and tear, as well as to incorporate modern monitoring systems for better water management.
The awarded contract covers key repairs to the dam’s spillway and control gates, reinforcement of its embankment, and remediation of erosion-prone sections. The project is expected to be executed within a defined timeline, with the CBDA assuring minimal disruption to water supply and downstream activities.
Meanwhile, the authority has clarified that the current opening of the spill gate is a routine operational procedure, particularly following recent rainfall, to maintain safe water levels. Residents in Maiduguri and adjoining communities have been advised not to raise alarm over the visible water passage through the Lagos and Gwange bridges, as the release is being closely monitored by engineers and disaster management officials.
However, the statement warns the public to avoid swimming or fishing near discharge points and to refrain from dumping waste in waterways to prevent blockages that could exacerbate flooding.
The CBDA emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region, urging citizens to rely on official updates from the authority for accurate information. The completion of the Alau Dam upgrade is anticipated to bolster its functionality, safeguard surrounding communities, and support agricultural and economic activities dependent on the dam’s operations.
It could be recalled that on September 9, 2024, a devastating flood struck Maiduguri after the Alau Dam breached due to structural damage located about 20 kilometers away from Maiduguri, as a result of heavy rainfall across Bama, Damboa, and Gwoza LGAs leading to the submerging of 40% of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
The floods have severely affected infrastructure, disrupting markets, schools, healthcare facilities, and businesses, and limiting the possibility for affected people to meet their basic needs.
The flooding water has favoured the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, while carrying garbage and faeces, which have increased Maiduguri’s vulnerability to a further health crisis.