Bagre Dam spillage: NADMO secures temporary shelters for potential flood victims

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in the Upper East Region has intensified sensitisation among farmers and residents living along the White Volta ahead of the anticipated spillage of the Bagre Dam. Upper East Regional Director of NADMO, Rebecca Akolgo, says the organisation is particularly concerned about farmers who continue to remain in flood-prone areas because of the fertile nature of the soil along the White Volta. She explained that NADMO has been engaging residents on the need to prioritise their safety and evacuate to higher ground before the spillway takes effect.

“We have been able to intensify our sensitisation by explaining to them that one life is worth [more]. When you lose farm products or livestock or livelihoods, and you are alive, those can be recovered,” she said in an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Tuesday, August 11. Ms Akolgo said NADMO’s sensitisation efforts have been supported by traditional leaders and local authorities, including chiefs and assembly members in the affected communities.

She noted that these stakeholders have played an important role in encouraging residents to heed the warnings and relocate to safer areas. “We have been able to talk to them to understand. So currently, as we speak, most of the farmers and residents along the area have evacuated,” she said.

Her comments come amid preparations by authorities in the Upper East Region for the expected spillage of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso, which could cause flooding along the White Volta and affect communities downstream. NADMO has already identified temporary shelters and safe havens in vulnerable communities to accommodate persons who may be displaced by the flooding. The organisation has also advised farmers and residents along the White Volta to move to higher ground and avoid waiting until the water begins to rise before seeking refuge.

NADMO says it will continue to monitor the situation in collaboration with other relevant agencies and intensify public education to minimise the impact of the expected spillage. Upper East Regional Director of NADMO, Rebecca Akolgo, said the organisation, together with key stakeholders, is intensifying preparedness and mitigation measures in flood-prone communities ahead of the spillage. In an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Tuesday, August 11, Ms Akolgo added that temporary structures have been identified and secured in vulnerable communities to serve as safe spaces for persons who may be displaced by flooding.

“NADMO, in collaboration with key stakeholders in the vulnerable communities, that is the flood-prone communities, has been able to secure temporary structures that will be used as temporary shelters for people who may be affected by possible flooding,” she said.. According to her, NADMO has also embarked on community sensitisation and public education, particularly among farmers and residents living along the White Volta. She said residents and farmers in the affected areas have been advised to immediately move to higher grounds once the spillage begins to ensure their safety.