Residents of Tindonmolgo and Tindonsobligo are set to benefit from a long-awaited dam reconstruction project following concerns raised by the communities and channeled through local leadership to the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly.
Emmanuel Ayamga, assembly member for Tindonmolgo, said the project stemmed from formal grievances submitted by residents and assembly members over the deteriorating condition of the existing dam site. Through those engagements, the communities were linked to the Drip Project, which is currently underway in the area.
The project is expected to address longstanding water management challenges and improve conditions for residents and farmers.
Mr. Ayamga said the contract has been awarded but declined to provide details on the contractor or a specific completion timeline.
“I know the contract has been awarded and we expect the work to begin and be completed soon, but I cannot speak to the exact duration,” he said.
Parts of the dam area are currently covered with stagnant water and mud, raising questions about how reconstruction will proceed. Mr. Ayamga clarified that the entire dam site, not just the dry sections, will be rebuilt.
According to him, work may begin on dry portions, while waterlogged areas will require the removal of mud and debris before reshaping to improve water retention. Proper embankments will be constructed to strengthen the structure and enhance durability.
“The whole dam is to be reconstructed,” he said.
Although he has not been fully briefed on the contract specifications, Mr. Ayamga expressed confidence that structural reinforcements would be included to ensure the dam’s functionality.
The project is expected to deliver multiple benefits. The dam will provide a reliable water source for livestock, as grazing is common in the area. It is also expected to help regulate a stream that flows downstream into a river.
However, Mr. Ayamga said the most significant impact will be on agriculture.
Farmers in Tindonmolgo and Tindonsobligo depend heavily on the dam, particularly during the dry season. Once reconstructed and capable of retaining water effectively, the dam is expected to provide a dependable source for irrigation throughout the year.
“When the dam is reconstructed and water is retained, farmers will rely on it for irrigation purposes,” Mr. Ayamga said, adding that the project could strengthen dry-season farming and improve livelihoods.
Some residents have raised concerns about potential negative impacts, particularly due to the area’s slope and the stream that feeds into the river. Mr. Ayamga acknowledged those concerns and said technical assessments would be conducted.
He said engineers and the municipal assembly’s technical unit are expected to assess water flow levels, terrain slope and structural design to prevent adverse effects.
“With the expertise of the engineers and the technical unit from the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly, I believe measures will be put in place to ensure residents are not negatively affected,” he said.
Residents also expressed concern about the safety of students and commuters who use the dam area as a passageway. Ayamga confirmed that provisions would be made to ensure safe access.
“There will be a bridge to facilitate safe movement,” he said.
While the project timeline remains unclear, residents say they remain hopeful that the reconstruction will resolve longstanding water management issues and deliver lasting agricultural and community benefits.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Keziah Porepeya Nsoh | Bolgatanga
