Efforts are underway to rehabilitate a dam at Sanabisi Kabre in the Bongo District after problems with its spillway affected its ability to retain enough water to support farmers and livestock during the dry season.
The Assembly Member for the Sanabisi Kabre Electoral Area, Philip Awane Akaribo, said the intervention followed repeated appeals by residents, traditional leaders and community elders to the Bongo District Assembly to rehabilitate the facility.
According to Mr. Akaribo, the dam was constructed under the One Village, One Dam (1V1D) initiative of the previous New Patriotic Party administration. He said, however, that the spillway was not properly constructed, affecting the dam’s ability to retain water for extended periods.
“Looking at the nature of the place, the spillway wasn’t well constructed, so the dam cannot harvest enough water. When the dry season comes, the water dries up quickly,” he explained.
Mr. Akaribo said the situation has been a major concern for residents because farming and livestock rearing are among the main sources of livelihood in the community.
He said he joined community elders and chiefs to submit several petitions and written requests to the Bongo District Assembly seeking assistance to rehabilitate the dam.
According to him, the Assembly responded positively and has begun supporting the rehabilitation, including the provision of gravel for work at the site.
“Here, we are very poor. Farming and rearing of animals are our main priorities. The dam is a source of drinking water for our animals, so it is very dear to the people of the community,” he said.
Mr. Akaribo expressed appreciation to the Bongo District Assembly, community elders and chiefs for supporting efforts to improve the facility.
One of the machine operators working on the rehabilitation said GH¢33,300 was spent on fuel for the machinery in just two days of operation, highlighting the resources required to undertake the work.
Mr. Akaribo said although the current rehabilitation may be modest, it could significantly improve the dam’s ability to retain water for livestock and farming activities.
Residents are hopeful that the intervention will improve the facility’s water-retention capacity and reduce the difficulties farmers and livestock owners face during prolonged dry periods.
They believe a properly rehabilitated dam will support agricultural activities, provide a more reliable source of water for livestock and contribute to improving livelihoods in the Sanabisi Kabre community.
Mr. Akaribo has called for continued support to ensure the rehabilitation is completed and the dam is able to better serve the community throughout the year.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Anaba Azubire | Bongo
