By Abdulkareem Haruna

Residents across Maiduguri and Jere local government areas which form the capital of Borno State, particularly those inhabiting areas adjacent to the Alau Dam and the downstream Ngadda and Gadabul rivers, confront a perplexing dilemma following a divergent directives from government agencies regarding the dam’s ongoing water release.

This bureaucratic discord has plunged the people into consideraConflicting Orders Deepen Flood Fears in Borno as Alau Dam Releases Water

ble state of confusion and amplified anxieties over potential flooding in a region still scarred by recent environmental calamity.

The present uncertainty compounds the distress of the  populace who are yet to fully recover from the devastating floods of September 10, 2024. The dual and contradictory warnings emanating from  two key government bodies have plunged these already vulnerable communities into a renewed state of apprehension.

On Wednesday, the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) announced the opening of the Alau Dam’s spillway gates. In a public statement aimed at reassuring the populace, the CBDA asserted that “the general public should note that, the spillway gates of the Alau Dam have been opened for water in the reservoir to spill downstream steadily… people especially those living within the River Ngadda and Gwange area should not panic by seeing the water passing through its normal way.”  Engr. Mohammed Shettima, the CBDA’s Executive Director for Engineering, who penned the warning note, affirmed the authority’s commitment to monitoring the dam’s activities until water levels recede.

Emergency Agency Issues Stark Evacuation Order
In sharp contrast, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) issued an urgent public notice that directly contradicted the CBDA’s tone of reassurance. SEMA’s advisory on the Alau Dam’s water release carried a stern warning note: “Evacuate Immediately: All communities and individuals living or working near the Gadabul River and its tributaries must relocate to higher ground without delay.” SEMA further cautioned against any approach to riverbanks, citing “strong currents and sudden surges” as “life-threatening hazards,” while urging residents to secure property and remain abreast of developments through local media.

“Theae diametrically conflicting messages from these two government bodies have left citizens in a precarious state of indecision regarding the immediate danger and requisite actions,” said Comrade Yusuf Tom, civil society actors. “The CBDA suggests a controlled discharge demanding no panic, whereas SEMA’s urged immediate evacuation which of course portends a serious and imminent flood threat.”

When sought for clarification, Aminu Chamalwa, Borno State’s Permanent Secretary for Information and Internal Security, confirmed that his ministry had reviewed both press statements and would address the matter on Friday to preclude any further miscommunication.

This unfolding situation concerning the Alau Dam’s water release occurs nearly a year after its catastrophic structural failure and months after the Federal Government inaugurated a significant reconstruction effort. The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation conducted a groundbreaking ceremony in March for a crucial N80 billion project intended to reconstruct, dredge, and comprehensively upgrade the vital infrastructure. Yet, despite that official flag-off, approximately 120 days have elapsed with no discernible progress on the dam since the ceremony.