In controlling overflow of water from dams to avert flooding across the country, The Federal Government had plans to construct a reservoir at Dura in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State to manage the excess water flow from River Katsina Ala.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, reiterated his dedication during a visit to Ugbema, Buruku local government, to evaluate the recent flood impact along the Makurdi-Katsina Ala highway, specifically around the Ugbema region.
Represented by the Deputy Director of Hydrology at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Robert Umezulike, who led a team from the ministry, it was mentioned that a contract has already been granted for the design of the reservoir project.
The Minister, attributing the flooding to climate change, assured that the issues would be addressed.
Chief Mathias Ager, the District Head of Mbaakura, a community affected by the flood, urged the Federal Government to materialize the reservoir project to eliminate the recurrent flooding in the area.
He further expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, for the proactive measures taken to tackle the problem.
A driver named Emmanuel Akaakase, who frequently travels the route and was stranded in the floodwaters, urged the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Makurdi, Gboko-Ugbema-Katsina-Ala road rehabilitation to facilitate the transportation of people and agricultural produce.
He specifically commended President Bola Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Terlumun Utsev, for acknowledging the challenges faced by the people of Benue State.
The visit drew a large crowd of community members who were jubilant, praising President Bola Tinubu for promptly addressing their predicament.
It should be noted that the recent rains in Benue have disrupted the highway between Dura and Abakwa settlements, causing difficulties for motorists and commuters along the route.
