The Federal Government has kick-started work on the construction of a multi-purpose dam upstream of the River Dura in the Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, in other to tackle the consistent annual flooding effect in the country.
The new dam, is expected to house the heavy water flow that comes from the Benue axis.
This was revealed by Deputy Director of Hydrology at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Robert Umezulike, on Saturday while inspecting the Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala highway, which was a victim of the overflow of the River Dura that spilt onto the road.
The director stated that the flood was caused by continuous particles deposit in the river, that have contributed to reducing its depth and capacity to hold and withstand water.
He further explained that the inspection team would evaluate and rate the flood situation and report to the Minister for immediate actions to be taken.
In his words he said, : “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"
“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.”
The District Head of Mbaakura Ward, HRH Mathias Ager, while having a media chat with newsmen, mentioned that the flood has had negative effect on victims such as submerging of homes, farms, and property in the area.
He pointed out that, the level of water that overflows onto the highway during rainfall shows the urgent need for the government to construct a dam to manage the situation.
He also expressed satisfaction over the capabilities showcased by the Tiv representatives in Tinubu’s administration to deliver, assuring that they would not disappoint the country, the president, or the Tiv nation.
Levinus Tyodoo, a youth from Benue state, spoke at the site of the damaged road, where he urged the Federal Government to rebuild the road to facilitate the mobility of motorists.
Also, a motorist using the road,one Terkimbi Atse, lamented that he had spent two days on a section of the road that should have taken only ten minutes to transit.
He also called on the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala road, which is currently cut off near the Abekwa settlement close to the River Dura bridge.
The monarch of the region, also commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Benue’s sons to key positions, particularly the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, urging them to continue supporting the president to succeed.
