The Volta River Authority has warned of an impending spillage of the water from the Bugre dam in Burkina Faso.

According to VRA, the spillage is likely to commence over the weekend since information it has received from authorities of the dam in Burkina Faso points to that fact.

“The Volta River Authority has been advised by SONABEL, the power utility of Burkina Faso, of plans to commence spillage of water from the Bagre Dam, due to the amount of inflow into the catchment area of the dam. The spillage will commence when the water level reaches an elevation of 235m, and is likely to begin this weekend,” a statement from VRA added.

VRA explained that the spillage may cause the White Volta River to swell and most likely occupy its normal flood plains.

“However, this may be compounded during the period of heavy rainfall in the three regions in the northern part of Ghana, namely, Upper East, Upper West and Northern Region.”

It further urged residents in the Upper East, Upper West and Northern regions to note and “take precautionary measures to avoid being affected by the impending spillage of water from the Bagre dam.”

Spillage of the dam in previous years caused flooding in most areas in the northern parts of Ghana and submerged farms and homes.

Massive education by NADMO 

Speaking to Citi News, the Upper East Regional Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) , Mr. Alfred Saavog  said because the spillage will begin on Saturday [August, 20, 2016] they are embarking on a massive education exercise in the various towns.

“We have received information from the Burkina Faso authorities managing the Bagre Dam that, they will spill the dam tomorrow Saturday, 20th August 2016. The White Volta passes through about sixty three communities in the Binduri, Talensi Bawku west districts and the Bawku municipal. So everybody should stay away, farmers, fisher men shepherd boys and girls should stay away from their normal activities.

Our zonal officers are in the communities informing community members, assembly men, chiefs and Tindans, in some of the communities information vans are going round informing community members about the spillage just to ensure that lives are saved,” he added.

source:citifmonline