The Water Resources Commission (WRC), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and other allied organizations are working assiduously to raise awareness as SONABEL, the power operator in Burkina Faso, prepares to spill the Bagre Dam.
It should be recalled that the Water Resources Commission indicated through a statement that the spillage of water from the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso will commence on Monday, August 19, 2024. It is expected that Ghana, specifically the Upper East Region, will receive direct flows from the Bagre Dam within 6 to 10 days after the dam is opened.
An update from SONABEL, Burkina Faso’s power utility, reported that the water level in the Bagre Dam has been rising steadily since August 2, 2024, reaching an upstream level of 232.82 meters as of August 16.
“Consequently, SONABEL will commence the spillage of water from the Bagre Dam on Monday, August 19, 2024,” stated the Water Resources Commission. Jesse Kazapoe, Basin Director of the Water Resources Commission, added that the spillage of water may cause the White Volta River to overflow its banks and likely spread into its normal floodplains.
As a result, “residents along the banks of the White Volta River are advised to take precautionary measures to avoid being adversely affected.”
Speaking on the Day Break Upper East Show today, the Head of the White Volta Basin at the Water Resources Commission discussed the areas that will be immediately and subsequently affected.
The Upper East Regional Director of NADMO, Jerry Asamani, who spoke on the same platform, indicated that education efforts have been earnest. He also mentioned that since the spillage of the dam is an annual event, many residents are now aware of the necessary precautions.
“We have also met with the DCEs and opinion leaders to help spread the message. We have informed churches, mosque owners, and schools to be prepared. At times of flooding, some residents may need to take refuge in these places. In Bazua, for example, schools are used as places of refuge.”
Mr. Asamani explained that NADMO has relief items ready to assist affected residents.
At the time of filing this report, there had been no indication from WRC that the dam had been spilt.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1 MHZ|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Bolgatanga
