NADMO urges residents along White Volta to move ahead of Bagre dam spillage

The Upper East Regional Directorate of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) is cautioning all residents and farmers along the White Volta to move to higher grounds, as the annual spillage of the Bagre dam from neighbouring Burkina Faso could commence soon.

The spillage of the Bagre dam always results in flooding, destruction of crops, and sometimes loss of human lives.

NADMO says this year’s spillage could come earlier than anticipated and has thus advised some six districts prone to the negative impact of the spillage to stay alert and cease all activities along the White Volta.

The spillage of the Bagre dam from neighbouring Burkina Faso is a yearly exercise to prevent any breakage of the dam’s banks.

Over the years, the dam is spilt either in August or September when it overflows its bank which often leads to flooding and displaces residents in communities along the White Volta in the Bawku Municipality, Bawku West, Garu, Binduri, Nabdam, and Talensi districts.

Speaking to Edmond Kwaching Agwaazeh, the Upper East Regional Coordinator of NADMO, Jerry Asamani, hinted that, the spillage of the Bagre Dam could commence anytime within this week as the dam has almost reached its peak for spillage.

“This is the period that the Bagre Dam is always spilt. As we speak, we are at about 234m and when it gets to that level, there is always going to be spillage and the reason is that we do not want the dam to break its bank. We are almost approaching there. There is a rapid rate of fill, and this week we will likely experience a spill. We are taking this opportunity to advise people along the White Volta that if there is nothing serious to do in the day, they should stay in the highlands. The farmers should be advised not to cross the river.”

Mr Asamani said NADMO does not have adequate relief items to cater to all persons who may be affected by the spillage.

Stephen Amoah, Upper East Region