The Assembly Member for the Atiibabisi Electoral Area, Akandi Wigberi, is calling for the desilting of the Kandiga dam to boost dry-season farming and aquaculture activities in the Kassena Nankana West District. The dam’s water level is currently low, affecting farming and fishing activities.
Mr. Akandi explained that the low water level has forced farmers to halt vegetable farming, while animals are struggling to access water.
He appealed to government agencies, NGOs, and well-wishers to support the desilting of the dam, saying it would benefit the community in many ways, including increased fish harvests and gardening opportunities.
“So, I think this dam — we have spoken to the Assembly, and they are aware of the situation. I believe the DCE is also making efforts to see how they can desilt the dam. As Assembly Member, I am urging government bodies, NGOs, and anyone who can come to our aid to help desilt this dam so that it can become a life-changing project for us,” he said.
The Assembly Member was speaking when the Asongtaba Group in Kandiga made their first successful fish harvest under the Aquaculture for Food and Jobs (AFJ) Programme. This year’s dry-season farming has been put on hold by the chief due to the dam’s low water level. Residents were advised not to farm to ensure animals have enough water.
“Because the water is not enough, the chief asked that no one should do vegetable farming this year. If they do, the animals will suffer. When this dam dries up, the animals cannot get water to drink. That’s why you have not seen any vegetable farming this year. We have stopped it because of the animals and the fish farming,” he explained.
Albert Amenuku, Aquaculture Zonal Extension Officer, also highlighted the challenges faced by the Kandiga Aquaculture Group, including the silted dam. He explained that the cage depth is affected by the low water level, impacting fish growth and stocking density.
“The main challenge facing the Kandiga Aquaculture Group is water. You can see that the dam is silted, and the depth is not as much as required. The cage depth is three meters, but the current water level is less than two meters. This means the cage has settled on the ground. A cage is designed in such a way that it is not supposed to sit on the ground,” he said.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1 MHz | David Azure | Bolgatanga
