The Federal Government commenced the construction of a multi-purpose dam on the River Dura in Buruku Local Government Area, Benue State, to mitigate the persistent flooding caused by heavy water flow in the region.
This was disclosed by Robert Umezulike, Deputy Director of Hydrology at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, during an assessment of the flood-affected Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala highway.
Umezulike explained that the flooding was the result of sediment buildup in the River Dura, which has reduced the river’s capacity to hold water.
“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,” he said.
He further noted that the ministry has awarded a contract for the study and design of a dam to help manage water flow upstream.
“There is a need for a water reservoir upstream of the River Dura.
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,” he said.
Local community members echoed the urgency of the situation.
HRH Mathias Ager, District Head of Mbaakura Ward, reported that the floods have submerged homes, farms, and properties in the area, affecting daily life.
He appealed to the Federal Government to expedite the construction of the dam and rehabilitate the Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala road, which has been damaged by the overflowing river near the Abekwa settlement.
The local monarch also praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing Benue indigenes to key national positions, such as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation.
He expressed confidence that these appointments would ensure effective action and representation for the Tiv nation.
Additionally, Benue youths and motorists have called on the government to restore the damaged road to facilitate smoother transportation.
Levinus Tyodoo, a local youth, emphasized the importance of repairing the road to ease the movement of farm produce, while motorist Terkimbi Atse lamented that a stretch of road, which should take ten minutes to drive, has left him stranded for two days due to the flooding.
The dam project aims to provide long-term solutions to the region’s flood challenges and improve infrastructure.
