The Marine Police Unit (MPU) of the Ghana Police Service has indicated its readiness to deal with any security challenges that may arise when the Bagre Dam is finally opened.
This means that the MPU will assist the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) to deal with the effects of flood due to the Bagre and Kompienga dams spillage.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the MPU is already in the Upper East region ahead of the spillage. The public relations officer of the Upper East Regional Police Command, ASP Fianko Okyere told an Accra-based TV station that the police service has taken measures to assist in case of any eventualities following the spillage.
According to ASP Okyere, some roads will be diverted to pave way for easy vehicular movement during the floods.
“The Upper East Regional Police Command takes notice of the annual spillage of the Bagre and Kompienga dams in Burkina Faso and its effects on the Upper East region.
“Since we got the information that both dams are likely to be opened on the 27th of August, that was last Friday, measures have been put in place to ensure we deal with the possible security threats that may arise as we are mandated to do”.
“In view of this, the Upper East Regional Police command has put some concrete measures in place with the support of Police administration. We have received the Marine Police Unit in the region who are currently on standby at the regional police headquarters in Bolgatanga”.
ASP Okyere
Meanwhile, recent reports indicate that marine police officers are already positioned at the various flood spots and areas likely to be affected by the spillage.
Kompienga and Bagré dams’ spillage
Burkinabe authorities earlier this month issued a statement that the spillage of the Bagre dam will begin on Friday, August 27. According to the statement issued by Management of the dam, SONABEL, the decision to open the dam is because the water level of the dam is rising rapidly.
“We send you herewith information of the situation of the levels of Kompienga and Bagré dams on Monday 23 August, 2021.
“The upstream level on Monday 23 August, 2021 is 233.99 m. Level is rising. The filling rate is 86.51% against 101.16% on the same date in 2020. The water level of the Bagré dam is rising rapidly. The opening of the valves can begin between August 27 and 30, 2021.
“Partners are requested to inform structures and local residents concerned”.
SONABEL
Preparations by residents
Already, reports indicate that Farmers and residents living along the waterways of the White Volta in the North East Region are rushing to salvage their farm produce as part of preparations ahead of the spillage.
The annual spillage of the Bagre Dam often results in serious floods in communities in the northern parts of Ghana. In 2020, at least 13 people were reported dead when the dam was spilled.
Moreover, acres of farmlands were submerged in flood waters with a portion of the Bolgatanga – Bawku road cut off. This had a toll on economic activity in the area as it prevented commuters from accessing the two towns.
The opening of the dam often coincides with heavy rains leaving a devastating trail of destruction in about 185 communities within the SADA zone.
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