By Bunmi Yekini
The Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF) and the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) have raised the alarm over an impending humanitarian crisis in Maiduguri, Borno State, following the federal government’s failure to commence repairs on the Alau Dam, which collapsed during heavy rainfall last year.
Their warning comes amid growing concerns by locals who allege that despite federal assurances, work on the dam has yet to begin as the rainy season sets in.
The dam, which collapsed on September 10, 2024, flooded 70 percent of Maiduguri, submerging homes, displacing thousands, and claiming the lives of animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo. Communities including Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin were hardest hit, with public infrastructure, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno, left in ruins.
Executive Director of CFSF, Comrade Sani Saba, described the situation as a looming tragedy waiting to happen.
“Another disaster may be imminent. With the delay in commencement of the repair work on the dam we can conclude that the federal government is more interested in optics and showmanship when disasters happen rather than supporting proactive interventions,” Saba said.
He also criticized the federal government’s choice of contractor.
“Nothing can justify the government’s engagement of a firm that is incapable of delivering and exposing the locals to fresh harm. It is simply unacceptable,” he added.
Local residents have expressed frustration over the government’s decision to sideline Mothercat Nigeria Limited, the original contractor of the Alau Dam, in favor of another company that reportedly abandoned pipeline repair work shortly after being mobilized.
Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of RDI, echoed Saba’s concerns, saying the delay puts lives and livelihoods at grave risk.
“We are bewildered at the lackluster attitude of the government in the face of a possible repeat of the flooding incident of 2024,” Jakpor said. “By virtue of the delay in commencing the rehabilitation of the dam, lives may be lost, livelihoods affected, and the economy of the state jeopardized if the rains come with the fury of last year. This will likely worsen the insecurity residents face.”
Both organisations also highlighted ongoing challenges in accessing safe and potable water in densely populated parts of the city, including Wulari, Mafoni, Kumshe, Hausari, Shehuri North and South, and Old Maiduguri.
They called for the immediate repair and expansion of the dam and demanded that contractors who have failed to deliver after being paid should be prosecuted.
“Until we have people who are accountable for their actions, this sort of annoying situation will continue,” the statement said. “The relevant agencies like the Nigeria Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency have given adequate notice of what is imminent. No serious government would wait till disaster happens before acting. We demand urgent action.”
The federal government is yet to respond to the latest allegations.