More spillage expected from Bagre dam

Bolgatanga, Sept 01, GNA- The Bagre dam is almost its maximum level of 235 metres following continuous heavy rainfalls, The Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso has warned.

Managers of the Burkina Be dam would be compelled to spill more water from the dam which will swell the White and Black Volta Rivers at the expense of lives and property of the poor riverside dwellers.

Briefing the Media in Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Mark Woyongo said information from Ghana's Embassy in Burkina Faso indicates that as of 0800 on Tuesday 31 August, the water level in the Bagre Dam was 234.97 metres at a flowing rate of 99.6 per cent with an average discharge rate of 552.45m3/s.

He said the information further indicated that it had been raining heavily since last night at the catchments of the Bagre dam. The situation would thus warrant an increase in the water level from the dam from August 31 and the few days ahead.

The information received by the RCC warned that "the declaration that the year 2010 will be very humid, with the risk of floods is being confirmed day in and day out".

The Regional Minister therefore warned those living close to the White and Black Volta River and their tributaries to evacuate to avoid the impending floods.

Mr. Woyongo stated that rivers and streams that have flow into the Volta River would extensively overflow their banks when authorities at the Bagre Hydro Plant continue to spill water and said such actions are likely to worsen the plight of the people who suffered as a result recent floods.

He appealed to organizations, individuals and government to be on high alert with relief support as the signs of the floods are already showing in the region.

Women, children and people with disabilities are most usually most affected whenever floods wash the region.

The total volume of water pumped out since the beginning of the spillage in the month of August is 414.43 hm3.

Due to the quantum of water to be spilt from the dam, the Bagre hydro Production Unit which normally produces 16MW at 234.46 metres Water level can now only produce 13MW.