How Government Paid N171million For Rehabilitation Of Alau Dam In Borno In July Before Eventual Collapse Days ago
Another sum of N26million was disbursed for rehabilitation works on July 29, 2024, just over one month before the flooding that has now led to destruction of valuable property and assets in Borno State.
Details on the Govspend website of the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government has showed that a sum of N171million was recorded as spent by the government for the rehabilitation of the Alau Dam in Borno State.
The Nigerian government had noted that it spent N26 million in July 2024, for rehabilitation works at the dam.
The payments that totalled N171million were made between June 2023 and July 2024.
On June 4, the sum of N23.4million was paid to rehabilitate the dam.
A further review showed that on September 20th, the sum of N122.4million was spent for rehabilitation of the Alau dam.
The contract was awarded to Hammal and Partners limited.
Another sum of N26million was disbursed for rehabilitation works on July 29, 2024, just over one month before the flooding that has now led to destruction of valuable property and assets in Borno State.
SaharaReporters had noted that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was also quoted as confirming that over 200,000 people were displaced.
An unspecified number of people, including children are still missing.
Many properties including, houses, farmlands and business places have also been destroyed.
Residential and business areas have been submerged, including the popular Monday Market and thousands of homes and properties, such as the Palace of the Shehu of Borno, Shehuri, Gwange, Adamkolo, Gamboru, Fori, Bulabulin, Post Office areas, Moromoro, and Customs Bridge, among others, have also been affected.
Some of the residents, who spoke to SaharaReporters earlier, confirmed that the widespread flooding had submerged several houses, major roads, and official buildings including Emir’s palace.
The Alau Dam, which supports irrigation and supplies tap water to Maiduguri and Jere Local Government Area, showed signs of distress earlier in September, causing damage to nearby farmland and communities.
Despite this, the government’s response was inadequate, and the people were given false hope that the situation was under control.
At least 30 persons have been reported killed by the incidents.