Binduri: Farmers along Kubore stretch urged to remain calm over Bagre Dam spillage

Farmers along the Kubore stretch of the White Volta in the Binduri District of the Upper East Region have been assured that the ongoing spillage of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso is unlikely to result in significant flooding or widespread destruction of farmlands.

The Binduri District Director of Agriculture, Abugri Razak Abangiba, gave the assurance amid growing concerns among farmers who feared that the release of water from the dam could cause the White Volta to overflow its banks and destroy their crops.

The annual spillage of the Bagre Dam has historically resulted in flooding across parts of northern Ghana, destroying farms, homes and other properties.

One of the most severe incidents occurred in 2021 when floodwaters submerged and eventually washed away the Kubore Bridge, an important link between communities towards Burkina Faso, Bawku and Bolgatanga.

This year's situation, however, appears to be less severe so far, with water levels along the Kubore section of the White Volta remaining relatively low nearly a week after Burkina Faso's state power utility, SONABEL, commenced the spillage.

Mr Abangiba attributed the relatively low water levels to the limited rainfall recorded in the Upper East Region this year.

He said the prevailing conditions suggested that farmers in the area were unlikely to suffer major losses from flooding as a result of the current spillage.

Despite the assurance, some farmers remain cautious because of the devastating experiences associated with previous spillages.

Rice farmer Wahabu Amdia told Metro TV that farmers were monitoring the river closely, noting that a sudden rise in the water level could put their farms and livelihoods at risk.

Beyond farming, the Kubore stretch of the river also supports other economic activities, providing employment and income opportunities for residents.

A trader, Ndebilla Akudugu, said commercial activities linked to farming along the river continued to provide livelihoods for people in the community.

For now, farmers along the White Volta are hopeful that the relatively low water levels will persist and prevent a repeat of the severe flooding that has affected the area in previous years.