The Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA) has issued a public alert notifying communities and farmers downstream of Goronyo Dam of an increased release of water following heavy inflows and rising water levels.
In a statement signed by Abubakar Bagudu, Technical Adviser to the Managing Director, on Saturday, the agency explained that the decision was taken to safeguard the structural integrity of the dam and prevent large-scale disaster.
According to SRRBDA, the inflow surge was triggered by the recent breach of Kankiya Dam in Katsina State, coupled with significant rainfall recorded in the catchment areas. This development pushed Goronyo Dam beyond its holding capacity of 943 million cubic meters.
“As a matter of urgency, necessitated by the need to protect its integrity and avoid high-impact disaster on downstream communities, the water release has been increased from 300 cubic meters per second to 550 cubic meters per second,” the statement read.
The agency urged farmers and residents along riverbanks and flood-prone areas to evacuate immediately and remain vigilant. It assured stakeholders that it would continue to provide timely information and guidance to mitigate risks and safeguard lives and livelihoods.
The Managing Director of SRRBDA, Abubakar Malam, had earlier pledged that the Authority would maintain open communication with stakeholders on water management to prevent avoidable tragedies.
Background on Goronyo Dam
Commissioned in 1992, the Goronyo Dam is the largest multi-purpose reservoir in Sokoto State, designed to support irrigation farming, water supply, fisheries, and flood control. The dam, located on the Rima River, is central to the Sokoto–Rima Basin irrigation projects, which sustain thousands of farmers and communities.
However, Goronyo Dam has also posed flooding risks whenever water levels exceed its storage capacity. In 2010 and 2018, excess releases led to severe flooding in Sokoto and Kebbi states, destroying farmlands, displacing communities, and causing loss of lives.
The latest warning underscores SRRBDA’s efforts to avert a repeat of such disasters by keeping stakeholders informed and encouraging preventive action.
