By Abdullahi Lukman
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has announced plans to review Maiduguri’s town planning framework in an effort to reduce flood risks, following the devastating September 2024 flood.
Zulum made this known while inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Alau Dam, where he expressed concern over residents building on waterways and dumping refuse into drainages.
He emphasized that all illegal structures on flood-prone paths would be removed to prevent future disasters.
“The town planning of the metropolis will soon be reviewed to ensure all tributaries and waterways are cleared and functional,” the governor said, warning of demolitions where necessary.
While acknowledging the anxiety among residents over rising water levels at the dam, Zulum reassured the public, citing engineering assessments that show there is “no cause for alarm.”
The governor praised the contractor’s progress and vigilance in monitoring the dam, but also urged caution due to the effects of global warming.
He supported the contractor’s request for an extension of the project to include additional structures for containing excess water.
“We need the extension you have talked about because we don’t know what will happen tomorrow,” he said, directing engineers to collaborate on a sustainable solution.
In March, the federal government allocated N80 billion for reconstruction and expansion works at the Alau Dam, following structural damage caused by previous floods.
