Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has urged the Federal Government to rebuild the collapsed Alau Dam to supply potable water to the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.

According to him, the breakdown of the three dykes of the dam in the recent floods destroyed many lives and property last September.

Zulum raised the alarm Monday in Maiduguri while receiving the Assessment and Investigation Report (AIR) on the collapsed dam.

He noted that with only four months remaining before the next rainy season, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation needs to speed up efforts in rebuilding the collapsed dam.

“We’ve limited time in fixing the washed-off dykes,” he said, warning that the earlier the rebuilding commences, the better for residents and farmers who rely on the waters from the dam.

On expediting the rebuild of the 38-year-old dam, Zulum said, “The state government shall push this matter to the federal government,” adding that if no action is taken, he will meet and beg President Bola Tinubu to allow the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to take over the reconstruction of the dam.

He further warned, “If we decide to wait for bureaucracy, I am afraid we will run out of time in rebuilding this dam.”

Meanwhile, he mentioned that the committee inaugurated by the state government had taken measures to stop water from spilling from the dam.

Despite limited resources, he pledged to partner with the federal government to ensure that such flood disasters do not occur again in the state.