Governor Zulum Inspects Alau Dam, Urges Residents to Take Precautions Against Flooding

In a proactive move to safeguard lives and properties ahead of the peak rainy season, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, visited Alau Dam on Saturday, 2nd August 2025. The visit was aimed at inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works, assessing water flow levels, and addressing public concerns over potential flooding in vulnerable areas of the state capital.

During the inspection, Engr. Ishaku Pindar, Resident Engineer of DAMTECH Nigeria Ltd, provided a comprehensive briefing on the progress of the dam rehabilitation project. The Governor was accompanied by top officials of the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) including Prof. Abdu Dauda, mni, Chairman, CBDA Board of Directors and Engr. Mohammed Shettima, Head of Engineering Department, Ba’ale Bura, Director of Planning, Baba Mallam Yabe, Director of Administration, Abdullahi Adam Mohammed, Deputy Director of Hydrogeology, Engr. Yahaya M. Usman, Chief Civil Engineer, and Mohammed Bukar Alibe, PRO/ Head of Information Unit. 

Addressing the media after the inspection, Governor Zulum expressed satisfaction with the level of work done but urged residents living along riverbanks and waterways to relocate to safer grounds as a precautionary measure. He emphasized that while current assessments indicate that the situation is under control, we remain uncertain as to what could happen as the rainy season progresses. 

He further cautioned residents to desist from building on waterways and be proactive in flood prevention by ensuring that drainage channels in front of their homes and kept clean at all times.

The Executive Governor disclosed plans by the state government to revisit the city’s master plan to identify and correct distortions in the drainage system that exacerbate flooding. He stressed the need for a comprehensive review of all tributaries and waterways to ensure proper water flow into the main canal, thus reducing flooding risks.

The Governor’s visit underscores the administration’s commitment to proactive disaster management, while CBDA and other relevant agencies continue to monitor the situation and implement necessary measures to ensure public safety.