The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to construct a dam in Dura, located in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, as a strategic measure to curb the recurrent flooding caused by the overflow of the River Katsina-Ala. This announcement was made by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, during a visit to assess the impact of recent floods in the region.
The Minister, represented by Robert Umezulike, the Deputy Director of Hydrology at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, led a delegation to the flood-affected areas along the Makurdi-Katsina Ala highway. This visit came in response to the devastating consequences of recent heavy rains, which resulted in the flooding of the Ugbema axis and severely disrupted travel along the Makurdi-Katsina Ala route. The inundation left motorists and commuters stranded, emphasizing the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.
A key takeaway from the Minister’s assessment visit was the official confirmation that a contract for the design phase of the Dura Dam project has already been awarded. The dam is expected to serve as a significant flood control mechanism, aiming to regulate water levels and manage overflow from the River Katsina-Ala. Minister Utsev attributed the ongoing flooding to the impacts of climate change and assured the affected communities that the government is committed to finding lasting solutions.
“The construction of this dam is not only about preventing floods; it is about safeguarding lives, protecting property, and ensuring that the people of Benue State can go about their daily lives without fear of another flood disaster,” emphasized Utsev. He reiterated that climate change has heightened the risk of extreme weather events, making flood control projects like the Dura Dam essential for the state’s long-term resilience.
Local leaders and community representatives welcomed the government’s proactive approach. Chief Mathias Ager, the District Head of Mbaakura, one of the regions severely impacted by the recent floods, expressed his gratitude for the Federal Government’s initiative. He appealed for swift action to bring the Dura Dam project to fruition, stressing that a completed dam could end the cycle of seasonal flooding that has plagued the area for years. “We are hopeful that this project will bring an end to our suffering. We thank the Minister for taking these steps and urge the government to deliver on its promises,” Ager said.
The recent flooding in Benue State, triggered by intense rainfall, has highlighted the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure. Notably, the highway between the Dura and Abakwa settlements was rendered impassable, causing severe disruptions for residents and traders alike. This has underscored the critical importance of flood management solutions to support the local economy and secure safe transit routes for the movement of people and goods.
