Alau Dam

The Alau Dam is situated in the Alau community of Konduga local government area of Borno State in the Northeast region of Nigeria, constructed in 1984–1986. It impounds a major reservoir on the Ngadda River, one of the tributaries of the Lake Chad.

History
The inflow of water into Alau and Jere Bowl depends mainly on the natural inflow of the Ngadda River, which is seasonal. The Ngadda River is a tributary of the larger River Yedzeram, which originates in the Hudu Hills east of Mubi and flows northwest to Lake Chad. During the wet season, the Yedzeram River contributes a massive inflow of water into the Ngadda River, which then flows into Alau and Jere Bowl. However, during years of low rainfall, the Yedzeram River does not contribute as much water to the Ngadda River, and the inflow into Alau and Jere Bowl can be significantly reduced.

The Alau Dam was constructed in 1984-1986 to provide water for irrigation and domestic use in Maiduguri. The dam also helps to control flooding in the area. However, the dam has also been the cause of flooding in some cases. In 1992, the dam reached its maximum shortage level and spilled over, causing flooding in Jere Bowl. In 1994, a flash flood from the Yedzeram River caused extensive flooding in Maiduguri. And in 2012, torrential rainfall caused the Alau Dam to open its evacuation valve, releasing a massive amount of water that caused flooding in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.

The Alau Dam is an important water resource for Maiduguri, it is important to be aware of the potential for flooding in the area, and to take precautions to protect property and lives.

Area
Alau Dam is 9meters high with a square reservoir area of about 50 km. The maximum storage capacity is 112 million meter cube. Alau Dam received water from River Yedzram and River Gombole which meet at a confluent at Sambisa and flow as River Ngadda into Alau Dam. Alau Dam received a wide variety of waste from agricultural land. This Lake is also use for commercial fishing. Alau Dam receives a wide variety of waste from agricultural activity within this area. Alau settlement has a total population of 6895 with 1174 households in total (Planning unit Konduga LGA secretariat).