FG begins Benue Dam construction to check flooding

The Federal Government of Nigeria has began constructing a dam in Benue State in a bid to check the persistent cases of flooding in that area.

The Deputy Director of Hydrology at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Robert Umezulike, revealed this on Saturday.

Umezulike explained that the multi-purpose dam upstream of the River Dura in the Buruku Local Government Area of the state will hold heavy water flowing from that channel.

The Deputy Director was on ground to assess the Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala highway affected by overflow of the River Dura that spilt onto the road.

He explained that, continuous sediment deposits in the river has reduced its depth and capacity to hold water, thereby causing the flooding.

Umezulike disclosed that, after the evaluation team on the flood completes its analysis, it will tender a report to the Minister for subsequent action.

“Over time, many of our rivers have become shallow due to sediment deposits in the water channels, which reduces their capacity to contain water. Consequently, when there is even a small amount of rain, the channels can become overwhelmed, resulting in flooding.

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“Based on our observations, there is a need for a water reservoir upstream of the River Dura. In this regard, the ministry has already awarded a contract for the study and design of a multi-purpose dam that will help contain the water flowing from that axis,” Umezulike said.

While reacting to the development, the District Head of Mbaakura Ward, HRH Mathias Ager, lamented that, homes, farms, and property in the area have been submerged in the flood.

He, therefore, called on the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala road.