The Bawku West District is considering the construction of dugouts and reservoirs to capture excess water from the annual Bagre Dam spillage for dry-season farming while reducing its impact on communities.
District Chief Executive James Ayamwego says the intervention, proposed by President John Dramani Mahama, could allow communities to harness water that has repeatedly flooded farmlands and affected livelihoods in the district.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Ayamwego said the annual spillage has over the years resulted in losses for farmers, including the destruction of farmlands and livestock, while flooding associated with the spillage has sometimes resulted in loss of lives.
He said the government’s proposed construction of dugouts and reservoirs at strategic locations could help change how communities along the White Volta respond to the annual spillage.
“We have seen how we could also not see just the spillage of the Bagre Dam to be a distraction or a worry to us, but an advantage,” he said.
According to the DCE, rather than allowing all the excess water to flow through communities, some could be captured and stored for agricultural use.
The stored water, he said, could provide farmers with irrigation during the dry season, allowing agricultural production to continue beyond the rainy season and reducing dependence on rainfall.
Mr. Ayamwego disclosed that engineers and other technical experts have already toured parts of the lower White Volta basin to identify suitable locations for the proposed dugouts and reservoirs.
He said the government also intends to involve the private sector as part of efforts to use the availability of water to encourage commercial agriculture in the area.
While expressing optimism about the proposed intervention, Mr. Ayamwego said communities affected by the current spillage still require immediate support.
He called for intensified public education to reduce the risks associated with flooding, alongside relief support for affected communities.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bawku West
