By Stella Odueme
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.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, gave this indication in Ugbema ,Buruku local government following a team’s visit to assess the latest flood damage along the Makurdi-Katsina Ala highway, particularly around the Ugbema axis.
A statement by the Terhemen Oraduen, Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister at the weekend said represented by the Deputy Director, Hydrology, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Robert Umezulike who led a team from the ministry said already a contract for the design of the dam project has been awarded.
The Minister who attributed the flooding to climate change, assured that the challenges 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.
He expressed appreciation to the 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 government 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 Utsev for considering the plight of the people of Benue State.
The visit attracted a large number of community members who were in a jubilant mood, praising president Bola Tinubu for responding promptly to their predicament.
It would be recalled that the recent rains in Benue has cut off highway between Dura and Abakwa settlements leaving motorists and commuters in difficult situation to ply the route.
