The Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) has denied claims that the spillage from the Dawhenya Dam is the primary cause of flooding in the area.
According to the Authority, there are various factors influencing the flooding in the area, and not the one being churned out by the media.
Contained in a statement issued on Thursday, November 30, 2023, GIDA stated that the flow from the second basin is a major contributor to the flow in the downstream channel as was observed by the GIDA team and the Member of Parliament, Samuel Nartey George, who visited the dam site on Tuesday, 28th November 2023.
“The perception that the flood is emanating only from the spilt water from the dam is not factual and can never be…”
Ghana Irrigation Development Authority
GIDA revealed that it is important to note that anytime it rains simultaneously in the two watersheds, when the two rivers have the same time of concentration, the flow level rises in the outfall channel.
Furthermore, the Authority explained that it has been established that this phenomenon has a three-year re-occurrence interval – a situation which is known by residents in the area.
“The indigenes are aware of [this] but continue to build on the watercourse downstream.”
Ghana Irrigation Development Authority
Meanwhile, member of parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has expressed concern over the incident of flooding in his constituency. He indicated that despite the devastation caused, measures are being put in place to provide relief items to affected residents.
“This morning, NADMO called that they’ve arrived in the constituency with some relief items that we asked for. Two nights ago, after I left the constituency, I spoke with NADMO DG, and he promised to put some reliefs together and we’re also trying to raise some reliefs…”
Sam Nartey George
MP lambasts managers of Dawhenya Irrigation Scheme
Sam George noted that lives have been affected adversely and for him it’s “really worrying”. He explained that it is worrying because the flooding is largely a man-made disaster and also because of the “intransigence of citizens and inefficiencies of government bureaucracy that has created this mess”.
“People have built in waterways… The failure of government and the district assembly to put its eye on the ball, because the stream that flows through has got a natural reservoir in the irrigation project…
“The former scheme manager of the irrigation dam sold the land to foreigners, and they filled it up with laterite. So, right now, there’s no reservoir for the stream; so, the whole thing just goes straight to the town and that’s what’s causing the flooding.”
Sam Nartey George
Furthermore, Sam George lamented that the flood waters was exacerbated by the “insensitive” actions of managers of the Dawhenya Irrigation Scheme. Also, he condemned the poor supervision of buildings in waterways by the District Assembly, which has brought the constituency to “this sad position”.
“I am using this medium to appeal for benevolent persons to provide relief materials, especially food and water, for the over 600 affected persons. My Team and I would continue our work to alleviate the plight of my Constituents.”
Sam Nartey George
