Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has recently announced a significant allocation of N20 billion aimed at addressing the aftermath of the devastating flood that occurred on September 10. This flooding disaster severely affected parts of the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and its neighboring local government areas, leading to the displacement of thousands of people. In a formal statement during the inauguration of a committee tasked with investigating the causes of the Alau Dam’s collapse, Zulum emphasized the necessity of providing both immediate relief for the victims and comprehensive infrastructure reconstruction to restore the affected areas.
To facilitate this recovery effort, Governor Zulum designated 50 percent of the allocated funds, amounting to N10 billion, specifically for direct assistance to the flood victims. This allocation aims to support those who were significantly impacted by the disaster and enable them to rebuild their lives. The governor has instructed that these funds be deposited into the state’s relief account and managed by a designated disbursement committee that includes members from anti-corruption agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, alongside state security organizations to ensure transparency and proper utilization.
The remaining N10 billion of the fund is intended for infrastructural repairs and improvements, directed specifically toward the Borno State Ministry of Works and Housing. During his announcement, Zulum extended his gratitude to the Federal Government, particularly to President Bola Tinubu, for the timely and substantial aid provided in response to the flood disaster. He acknowledged other contributors, including individuals, corporate entities, and non-governmental organizations, thanking them for their support in Borno’s recovery efforts.
In light of the ongoing challenges posed by the flooding, Governor Zulum directed the newly constituted 28-member committee to investigate the Alau Dam’s structural integrity and the reasons behind its collapse. This committee, chaired by Engr. Abba Garba, a former Managing Director of the Chad Basin Development Authority, has been tasked with conducting a thorough assessment of the dam. Zulum emphasized the importance of this investigation, noting that even though floodwaters had receded, the dam was still releasing water, thereby presenting a continuous threat to both local economies and agricultural activities reliant on the dam’s resources during the dry season.
The governor’s directives include examining immediate and long-term factors that contributed to the dam’s failure, evaluating the extent of its damage, and estimating the necessary costs for remedial actions aimed at halting the continued outflow. He urged the committee to present its findings and recommendations within a four-week timeframe to effectively address the situation and prevent similar occurrences in the future. This proactive approach underscores the urgency of resolving the dam’s issues to preserve their intended usage in the region.
In response to the governor’s directives, the committee’s chairman expressed gratitude for being entrusted with such a critical responsibility. He acknowledged the seriousness of the undertaking and reassured Governor Zulum that the committee members would diligently study the terms of reference provided to them. With a strong commitment to deliver actionable recommendations, the committee members are keenly aware of the implications of their findings and are prepared to contribute towards safeguarding Borno State’s infrastructure against similar disasters in the future.
