President John Dramani Mahama is considering the construction of small dugouts in communities affected by the annual spillage of the Bagre Dam to collect floodwaters for dry-season farming.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, disclosed this when he visited Sapelega in the Bawku West District on September 3, together with the Bawku West District Chief Executive, James Ayamwego, and officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
The Minister said the proposed dugouts would be constructed away from the riverbanks to collect water released during the annual spillage of the dam in Burkina Faso.
“So that when the spillage is done, then the waters can be collected over there. And when it comes to dry season, those hold-up areas, the water will still be there for us to do the dry-season farming, so that we will see the spillage of the Bagre Dam to be a blessing instead of being a curse,” Mr Akamugri said.
He said the proposal forms part of efforts by the government to find a lasting solution to the perennial flooding experienced by communities along the White Volta during the annual spillage.
“President John Dramani Mahama is thinking outside the box to see how we’ll be able to address this perennial problem so that it shouldn’t be ritual for us every year when it comes to the rainy season,” he stated.
The Minister said the approach would help reduce the impact of the spillage on communities while also turning the excess water into a resource for agriculture during the dry season.
The visit to Sapelega followed the ongoing spillage of the Bagre Dam, which began on August 28.
Mr Akamugri said communities along the White Volta had been sensitised by the Bawku West District Assembly and NADMO after authorities were notified about the planned spillage.
He, however, cautioned residents to remain vigilant and stay away from the riverbanks, particularly children, warning that heavy rainfall could lead to increased water releases and sudden flooding.
“People should stay away from the riverbanks. We shouldn’t be closer to the riverbank, especially the children. Don’t let them get closer,” he cautioned.
The Regional Minister assured residents that the government would continue to support communities affected by the spillage while pursuing a more permanent solution to the annual flooding.
By Tanko Mohammed Rabiu
