The Water Resources Commission (WRC) says Burkina Faso’s electricity utility, SONABEL, will commence controlled water spillage from the Bagré Dam today, Friday, August 28, following a rise in the reservoir’s water level.
The spillage is expected to begin at 9:00 a.m., after the dam’s water level reached 234.64 metres as of Thursday, August 27. The level represents a 95.19% filling rate and is only 0.36 metres below the dam’s normal operating level of 235 metres.
The WRC said the rising water level has made the controlled release necessary, following the suspension of an earlier planned spillage when the reservoir level declined.
In a statement, the Commission urged communities along the White Volta River and adjoining areas to take precautionary measures to protect lives and property and to comply with safety directives from local assemblies and relevant agencies.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has issued an urgent warning to residents living along the banks of the White Volta River and other vulnerable waterways to evacuate immediately.
NADMO said communities along riverbanks and other flood-prone areas could be affected by increased water flow and advised residents to relocate to safer areas and remain vigilant.
The organisation also urged the public to monitor official updates and comply with directives from NADMO and other relevant authorities.
The development has renewed concerns about possible flooding in communities within the White Volta Basin, where previous Bagré Dam spillages have affected lives, livelihoods and property in parts of northern Ghana.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe