In light of the recurring flooding caused by the Aloe Dam in Borno State’s Konduga Local Government Area, the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has embarked on a mission to strengthen the dam and protect against excessive water before the upcoming rainy season. This proactive measure aims to prevent the destruction of irrigation facilities and structures in the surrounding community during periods of heavy rainfall.
During a visit to the dam, Dr. Umar Abubakar Hashidu, the acting MD/CEO of NEDC, accompanied by Barr. Bukar Ba’ali, the Chairman of the Commission, and the management team, addressed journalists and highlighted the significance of the Aloe Dam. He emphasized that the dam plays a vital role in supporting irrigation activities for food production and other essential purposes. Therefore, the NEDC is intervening to ensure that the dam is fortified with effective flood prevention measures before the arrival of the rainy season. This intervention is a response to the disastrous flooding experienced last year when the dam overflowed and wreaked havoc on the community’s infrastructure.
Dr. Hashidu further emphasized that water, sanitation, medical services, and other critical internal areas are the focal points of NEDC projects. These sectors directly impact the lives of the people, making the Commission’s interventions indispensable.
Another site inspected by Dr. Hashidu was the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), where the NEDC is constructing a 40-room extension for labor wards, along with IVF centers, to alleviate the strain on the maternity ward. Expressing satisfaction with the progress made so far, Dr. Hashidu noted that the project is nearing completion.
Additionally, the NEDC visited its state office in Maiduguri’s post-office area, currently undergoing remodeling and renovation. Dr. Hashidu inspected various sections, including offices, a training center, a clinic, and a mosque. Subsequently, the team proceeded to Borno State University (BOSU) to inspect the ongoing construction of the Faculty of Engineering, which will house the departments of civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.
Recognizing the importance of science and technology in the global economy, the NEDC places great emphasis on science education. This approach enables citizens of the North-East region to actively participate in the expanding technology market, which has become a modern trend.
The combined value of the 40-room labor ward extension at UMTH, the remodeled state office of NEDC, and the Faculty of Engineering at Borno State University is estimated to exceed N1.6 billion. However, it is worth noting that these figures may fluctuate due to market forces.