Some residents and Farmers from the Dorongo community in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East region are calling on the government of Ghana to go to their aid and desilt their silted dam. This, they say would enhance farming activities in the area.
Speaking to A1 Radio David Azure on ‘Agric Forum’ the farmers indicated that the dam has not been helpful in recent times because of the heavy siltation. For farmers who engage in dry season farming, they say engaging in the activity is a gamble because the water does not last for long.
Richmond Atugra who received the Municipal 2nd Runnerup Award at the 2021 Farmers’ Day awards in Bolgatanga municipality, said he found it difficult to comprehend the reasons behind the failure of authorities over the years to desilt the dam for effective farming activities. He stated that the majority of the youth in the community are unable to continue with their farms.
Another dry season farmer, Michael Anaba noted that it is unfortunate farmers have been complaining over the years about the silted nature of the dam but authorities are not paying attention to their concerns.
Mr. Anaba explained that, last year he lost all the investment he made in his pepper farm because the dam dried up very early and could not sustain his pepper farm to the time of harvest. He recalled that he had to leave everything to the animals and go home empty-handed.
Meanwhile, the assembly member for the Dorogo Electoral Area, Martin Agare Adongo said that it is unfortunate that the dam hasn’t been desilted for many years after construction when community members are ready and willing to utilize the dam for dry season farming.
According to Mr. Agare he has made a lot of effort at the Assembly level to get work done on the dam but the Assembly had been complaining of financial challenges.
The assembly member, therefore, appealed to organizations and individuals who can help the community to desilt the dam to go to their aid.
Source:A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|David Azure |Dorogo|
