By Francis Nwapa
In 1982 Nigeria and Cameroon Government reached an agreement prior to construction of Lagdo dam, that Nigeria will construct the Dasin Hausa dam which will serve as a buffer whenever the Lagdo dam is released, however, 42 years after this has remain abandoned, causing annual devastating flooding in 11 states.
On the Cameroon side of Lagdo The Lake is the source of potable water, and irrigation of cotton, maize, millet, sorghum animal fodder, grazing fields and fishing in and around Garoua. The electricity generated powers the Northern provinces of the country with excess capacity. The climate around the Lagdo Lake is temperate, scenic, and a good holiday destination for tourists.
The Dasin Hausa Dam, if built, will in addition to the benefits mentioned above, prevent the floods which have caused extensive damage in Nigeria.These projects have passed through 12 different administrations in Nigeria from 1982 to 2024.
On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, Umar Mohammed, Director-General of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) announced the controlled release of water from the dam and asking Nigerians to stay alert and possibly evacuate their homes in a bid to escape flooding caused by the released water. This water flow into River Benue and cascade through river Niger and in most cases lives are lost while properties worth hundreds of million are destroyed by the flood. Findings has also revealed Malaria surge during this period due to a large breeding space for mosquito.
The Nigeria Government has proven to be primitive in its approach of handling National projects or assets, and show little or no interest in ensuring lives and properties risked annually through the release of Lagdo dam is put to an end by completing construction of Dasin Hausa dam. This will not only save lives but provide employment, enhance tourist attraction and Agriculture.
We call for immediate construction of Dasin Hausa dam to avert this annual flooding.
Francis Nwapa
Convener; #EndMalariaInNigeria