The Federal Government has commenced the construction of a multi-purpose dam upstream of the River Dura in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State to mitigate the heavy water flow from the region, which has led to persistent flooding.
According to The PUNCH, this was revealed by the Deputy Director of Hydrology at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Robert Umezulike, on Saturday during an assessment of the Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala highway, which has been impacted by flooding from the River Dura.
Umezulike explained that the ongoing floods were largely due to sediment build-up in the river, reducing its capacity to contain 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. As a result, even a small amount of rain can cause these channels to overflow, leading to flooding,” he said.
He added that the ministry had already awarded a contract for the design of a multi-purpose dam, intended to regulate water flow and prevent future floods.
“Based on our observations, there is a need for a water reservoir upstream of the River Dura,” Umezulike noted.
The flood has caused severe disruptions, including the submersion of homes, farms, and properties. HRH Mathias Ager, the District Head of Mbaakura Ward, stressed the urgency of the situation, appealing to the government for swift action.
“The water level during rains is alarming. It shows the urgent need for a dam to manage the situation,” he said.
Ager also called on the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala road, which has been cut off near the Abekwa settlement.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing Benue indigenes to key positions in his administration, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, and urged them to support the president’s efforts.
Levinus Tyodoo, a local youth, echoed these sentiments, urging the government to prioritize rebuilding the road to ease transportation for farmers and motorists.
“The road is essential for moving farm produce and people, and its current state is causing major disruptions,” he said.
Motorist Terkimbi Atse also lamented the delays caused by the damaged road, noting that a journey that should take ten minutes has stretched into two days for some travelers.
With the government’s commitment to constructing the dam, there is hope that flooding in the area will soon be under control, providing relief to affected residents and motorists.
