The Federal Government is to construct a dam at Dura in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State to control overflow of water from River Katsina Ala
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Terlumun Utsev stated this today when he carried out an assessment of the damage caused by the the recent flood on the Makurdi , Katsina Ala highway around the Ugbema axis.
Represented by Deputy Director, Hydrology, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Robert Umezulike , Professor Utsev said already a contract for design of the dam project has been awarded.
The Minister who attributed the flooding to climate change, assured that the challenge would be tackled.
District Head of Mbaakura, a community affected by the flood ,Chief Mathias Ager appealed to the Federal Government to make the dam project a reality to put an end to the perennial flooding in the area and expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Engr Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev for proactive steps he has taken to address the problem.
A driver Emmanuel Akaakase who plies the route regularly and was trapped in the flood water appealed to the Federal to facilitate the completion of the Makurdi, Gboko-Ugbema-Katsina-Ala road rehabilitation to ease movement of human and farm produce .
He particularly appreciated President Bola Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume and Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Terlumun Utsev for considering the plight of the people of Benue State.
Recall that the recent rains in Benue has cut off highway between Dura and Abakwa settlements leaving motorists and commuters in difficult situations to ply the route.
