The water level at Burkina Faso’s Bagré Dam has risen to 234.50 metres, bringing the reservoir closer to the threshold at which the operators, SONABEL, may open the spillway.
The latest update from the Water Resources Commission (WRC) indicates that the dam is currently 93.31 per cent full, with the reservoir level standing 0.50 metres below its normal level of 235.00 metres.
SONABEL has cautioned that it may open the spillway once the reservoir level reaches 234.75 metres.
According to the update, should the reservoir reach the 234.75-metre threshold, the public will be informed of the date and time for the commencement of the controlled water release.
The latest development comes after earlier uncertainty over the planned spillage.
On August 5, the WRC announced that SONABEL intended to commence controlled spillage from the Bagré Dam on August 11 if the reservoir reached 234.00 metres.
The Commission subsequently urged communities along the White Volta and adjoining areas to take precautionary measures against possible flooding.
However, the planned release was later postponed after the reservoir failed to reach the required level. As of August 11, the water level stood at 233.08 metres, with a filling rate of 75.40 per cent—1.92 metres below the dam’s normal reservoir level of 235.00 metres.
The WRC said it would continue monitoring the reservoir and provide updates on the timing of the controlled release.
The renewed rise in the dam’s water level means communities downstream of the Bagré Dam, particularly those along the White Volta basin, are again being urged to remain alert.
The Bagré Dam is located in Burkina Faso and its water releases can affect downstream communities in Ghana through the White Volta River system. Authorities in Ghana have previously warned residents, farmers and other river users to take precautions whenever controlled releases are anticipated.
The WRC has consistently advised affected communities to follow safety directives from local authorities and relevant agencies as monitoring of the dam continues.
