The Federal Government has announced the commencement of work on a multi-purpose dam upstream of the River Dura in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State to address persistent flooding issues in the state.
Robert Umezulike, Deputy Director of Hydrology at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation made this known during an assessment of the flood-affected Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala highway.
Umezulike explained that sediment deposits have reduced the river’s capacity. That however has led to frequent overflows during rains.
The dam, which is under study and design, will help contain water flowing from the River Dura axis, minimizing flood risks.
The dam will also serve multiple purposes, such as water supply, irrigation, and flood control.
Flooding in the area has disrupted transportation, submerged homes, farms, and properties, and cut off parts of the Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala highway.
Local leaders, including HRH Mathias Ager, District Head of Mbaakura Ward, have called for urgent government intervention to rehabilitate the damaged highway and mitigate future flooding.
Ager expressed confidence in Benue State’s appointees in Tinubu’s administration, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation.
He urged them to ensure the successful execution of these critical projects.
Benue residents, including youth leader Levinus Tyodoo and motorist Terkimbi Atse, also appealed to the government to expedite road repairs to ease transportation and facilitate the movement of goods and people in the flood-affected area.
This dam construction is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding and ensure the safety and economic stability of the region.