The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has conducted a physical inspection exercise of the Dadin-Kowa Dam in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The head of a technical sub-committee for the evaluation of dams in Nigeria and Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations at the ministry, Engr. Aliyu Ibrahim Dallah said the committee was inaugurated by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, to check the issue of dam collapses across the country.
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He told journalists that the committee will assess the condition of all dams in the country with a view to overhaul the structure and restore their integrity and prevent future flooding.
“The inspection we are conducting aims to ensure the safety of critical water infrastructure in the wake of the recent flooding incident at Alau Dam in Borno state,” he said.
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Engr. Dallah disclosed that the committee began the assignment at the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, followed by the Mangu Dam in Plateau state, and the Dadin-Kowa Dam in Gombe.
He, however, said based on preliminary inspections, Dadin-Kowa Dam appeared safe for the time being, but added that further investigations were necessary to assess the internal conditions of the dam.
“These evaluations would reveal any hidden structural issues that might not be visible during the initial inspection,” he said.
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He noted that after the inspections, the committee would submit a detailed report, including recommendations designed to prevent future disasters similar to the flooding that occurred at the Alau Dam.
According to him, their findings will guide future actions to reinforce dam safety and protect surrounding communities from potential threats.
