N1.2billion Not Enough To Renovate Alau Dam In Borno After Flood Disaster – Contractor
“The contract was awarded at N1.2 billion and it was just about when the contractors mobilised to site that the flood disaster happened,” Bukar remarked, noting that work had not yet commenced before the disaster struck.
A private contractor and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ankabut Engineering Limited, Kamsulin Alhaji Bukar, has stated that the initial contract award of N1.2 billion to renovate Alau Dam is no longer sufficient due to increased damage caused by recent floods.
“The contract was awarded at N1.2 billion and it was just about when the contractors mobilised to site that the flood disaster happened,” Bukar remarked, noting that work had not yet commenced before the disaster struck.
He further noted, “The dam has damaged more than before. Before, the concern was on the spillway, but now, just adjacent to it, we have a new channel of water. That is the major problem, and it’s just by the side.”
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) conducted a physical inspection on Sunday to assess the extent of the flood damage at the Alau Dam and several ongoing projects in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The inspection also included the supervision of key road projects such as the 22.5 km Ngowom-Koshebe and Ngowom-Dusman-Zabarmari-Gongulong-Khaddarmari roads, among others.
Muhammed Goni, Managing Director of the NEDC, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to completing the projects despite the setbacks.
“We are determined to ensure the completion of the ongoing projects to stimulate economic activities, enhance security, and facilitate freer movement of goods and residents in the popularly known Jere-Bowl road of the state,” he said.
“We have been here (Alau Dam) about two or three times, as well as the Jere-Bowl road,” Goni said, adding that the commission was assessing how the flooding had impacted the projects.
He stressed, “You know each contract carries some terms and references, but unfortunately, on this occasion, we have some factors that affected the contracts. We are here today to assess what has happened after the flooding and see how it affects the general construction of the projects to devise a way forward.”
Bukar also highlighted that a quick review would be necessary to determine whether to continue with the current contracts or make modifications. “Like you heard him say, we should do a quick review to know whether we are to continue on previous contracts or if there will be modification,” he stated.
