The spillage of water from the Bagre Dam, operated by Burkina Faso’s Power Utility SONABEL, is set to commence on Monday, August 19, 2024, with Ghana’s White Volta River expected to overflow its banks.
According to a statement issued by the Basin Director of the White Volta Basin Secretariat, Jesse Kazapoe, the current water level of the dam has risen to 232.8 meters and continues to rise, putting communities along the river at imminent risk of flooding.
Despite warnings issued by the Water Resources Commission, there appears to be a lack of decisive government action to prevent a potential disaster.
The Water Resources Commission, relying on updates from SONABEL, revealed that the water level in the Bagre Dam has been steadily increasing since August 2nd, 2024.
The anticipated spillage is likely to inundate the White Volta River’s floodplains, heightening fears of widespread damage in the affected areas.
The Commission has urged residents and those working along the riverbanks to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from the impending floods.
However, the government’s apparent inaction has raised concerns among citizens who feel abandoned in the face of this annual threat.
The statement from the Commission emphasized the urgency of flood management and indicated that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
Yet, the lack of proactive measures has left many questioning the government’s preparedness and commitment to safeguarding lives and properties in flood-prone regions.
As the August 19th deadline looms, the silence from the authorities is deafening, leaving vulnerable communities bracing for the worst.
