The power utility company of Burkina Faso, SONABEL, has announced that it will begin spilling water from the Bagre Dam on Monday, August 19, 2024.
The decision comes as the water level in the dam has been rising steadily since August 2, 2024, reaching a current level of 232.82 meters.
Residents along the White Volta River in Ghana’s Upper East Region are advised to take precautionary measures to avoid potential flooding.
Areas expected to be directly affected include Bawku West, Binduri and Talensi, while Bawku Municipal, Pusiga, Garu, Tempane and Nabdam will experience indirect effects due to tributaries receiving inflows from the White Volta River.
Additionally, Kasena-Nankana West, Builsa North and Builsa South will be impacted by backflow from the Sissili River.
The spillage of the Bagre Dam has historically caused significant damage to farmlands and properties in these areas.
The construction of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam project, intended to manage the water from the Bagre Dam and provide flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power, remains stalled almost five years after its inception.
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