The Managing Director North East Development Commission (NEDC), Mohammed Alkali, has led members of the governing board and management to an on-the-spot assessment of the collapsed spillway in the Alau Dam, which resulted in the September 10th flood disaster that submerged over 70 percent of Maiduguri and environs in Borno State.
The delegation also assessed damaged facilities resulting from the flood at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and Jere Bowl roads projects under construction, which provides Ist phase of the 22.5km Ngowom – Koshebe and Ngowom – Dusman – Zabarmari – Gongulong – Khaddarmari roads, among others, for urgent construction due to the area’s vital role in rice production.
Speaking on Monday at the project site in Koshebe area of Mafa local government area, where the flood disaster damaged about 2km of the road, Alkali, said the new roads are expected to stimulate economic activities, enhance security, and facilitate freer movement of goods and people in the popularly known “Jere-Bowl” of the state.
He said the second phase of the road has three segments which include 10.5km (Galameri) Ngowom – Koshebe, and 3.5km Ngowom – Dusman
8.5km Gongulon-Zabarmari¬Khaddamari roads.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to complete all ongoing projects across the six North-East states, ravaged by devastating floods and insurgency.
Alkali also unveiled plans to rebuild the collapsed Alau Dam which triggered the recent Maiduguri flooding, displacing thousands and resulting in loss of lives and property, saying that rebuilding the dam was crucial to preventing future flooding and ensuring residents’ safety.
“The Jere road project is strategic, linking agrarian towns to Maiduguri and other key areas, thereby boosting economic activities and improving livelihoods,” he said.
Alkali further stressed the commission’s focus on completing this project to facilitate trade and commerce.
He added that the NEDC is constructing vital infrastructure, including facilities in Maiduguri Eye Hospital, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, bridges, and roads.
Also, Alkali said, “The commission is building its state office, installing solar-powered streetlights, clearing debris from waterways, and providing walking aids to people with disabilities.
“Similar projects are underway in Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states, aligning with the NEDC’s master plan focused on infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, and entrepreneurship.
“We have visited the site three times, indicating the commission’s strong commitment to road construction, particularly in addressing the recent spillway issues.”
Deputy Director of the consulting firm handling the Alau Dam spillway reconstruction, Kamselem Alhaji Bukar said the contract had been awarded and mobilisation to site was underway when the flood disaster struck.
“The Managing Director directed us to assess the situation and provide a report on whether to proceed with the original contract or make necessary modifications,” he said.
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