Jesse Kazapoe of the Water Resources Commission stated that the spillage from the Bagre Dam is being managed gradually to prevent overwhelming the system, with current flows being about 6 to 7% of typical volumes from the Bagre dam.
“Last year, at one point, the maximum flows we were receiving into the country from Bagre alone were over one thousand cubic meters per second, while the White Volta River has an average capacity of about 300 cubic meters per second,” he said. “Luckily this time, we are not getting one thousand; we are not getting six hundred. We are getting around fifty, which is quite minimal.”
Mr. Kazapoe noted that this gradual approach minimizes the impact, although local rivers, including the White Volta, have already breached their banks. “On the Ghana side, our rivers have already broken their banks. If you look at the White Volta River, it has already breached its banks.”
He reported that while there have been no human casualties thus far, flooding has affected farms near the dam’s spillage area. Kazapoe emphasized that although current losses are less severe compared to past events, the situation remains fluid.
Future heavy rainfall in either Burkina Faso or Ghana could exacerbate conditions. “If we don’t receive any excess flow into Bagre Dam, the flow will remain constant, so there wouldn’t be much difference between what we are currently experiencing and what might come,” he explained.
Kazapoe also stated that authorities are closely monitoring the situation. He advised residents in flood-prone areas to seek higher ground and stay alert for further updates from local officials. “My message for them is to find dry places to protect themselves. We shouldn’t be complacent.”
He provided these updates on A1 Radio regarding the spillage from Burkina Faso’s Bagre Dam, which began earlier this week.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1 MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
