Bagre Dam spillage postponed as reservoir level remains below threshold
Operators of Burkina Faso’s Bagre Dam, SONABEL, have postponed the planned controlled water spillage as the reservoir has yet to reach the required level.
The Water Resources Commission (WRC) said the spillage would commence once the reservoir reaches 234.50 metres, adding that it continues to closely monitor the situation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the Commission said the reservoir stood at 233.08 metres, representing a filling rate of 75.40 per cent.
“The reservoir level is currently 1.92 metres below the normal reservoir level of 235.00 metres,” the Commission said.
It added that it was monitoring developments and would notify stakeholders and the general public once a date and time had been determined for the controlled release of water from the dam.
“The Commission is monitoring the situation and will update stakeholders and the general public on the date and time of the controlled water spillage from the Bagre Dam. The reservoir level is being monitored and updated consistently,” it said.
The WRC had earlier, on August 5, warned communities along the White Volta and adjoining areas to take precautionary measures against possible flooding ahead of the anticipated spillage.
The exercise was initially expected to begin on Tuesday, August 11, if the reservoir reached 234.00 metres.
On August 4, the reservoir level stood at 232.92 metres, with a filling rate of 62.77 per cent.
The Commission has urged residents in potentially affected communities to comply with safety directives issued by local assemblies and other relevant agencies.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in the Biakoye District of the Oti Region has cautioned fishermen, canoe operators, parents and children against unnecessary activities around the lake and other water bodies.
Residents have also been advised against swimming, attempting to cross flooded waterways or allowing children to go near water bodies with rising levels.