Builsa North MP supports desilting of Sandema Chief dam with GHC 46,000
Desilting exercise expected to restore water capacity and support domestic, livestock and economic activities in Sandema
The Member of Parliament for Builsa North, James Agalga, has provided financial support of GHC 46,000 to facilitate desilting works on the chief dam in Sandema under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
The intervention is aimed at restoring the dam’s water-holding capacity and improving access to water for residents and livestock in Sandema and surrounding communities.
Located along the Sandema-Wiaga road, the chief dam is regarded as one of the oldest and most important water bodies in Buluk, serving as a major source of water for domestic use, livestock and construction activities, particularly during the dry season.
Over the years, concerns have been raised about the deteriorating condition of the dam and its declining capacity to retain water, threatening livelihoods and economic activities that depend on the facility.
Recognising the importance of the dam to the community, Agalga, through his share of the Common Fund, supported the DRIP machinery team with GHC 46,000 to undertake the desilting exercise.
Speaking on the intervention, the Municipal DRIP Coordinator, Isaac Akobanyam Azunbiik, explained that the dam remains the most accessible source of water for both residents and animals, especially during the dry season.
“There is no other dam where animals can easily access water. That is the main reason the request was made through the overlord to the MP,” he stated.
According to Azunbiik, the MP invited the DRIP team to assess the condition of the dam and determine the feasibility of the desilting works before approving the intervention.
He further disclosed that there are plans to extend similar works to other dams across the municipality, although implementation will depend largely on the availability of funding.
“There are a lot of plans to work on other dams across the municipality, but everything depends on funding. We are hopeful that when more funding becomes available, we will move to other communities,” he said.
Azunbiik also revealed that the DRIP programme is considering road maintenance projects after the completion of the dam desilting exercise, particularly targeting inner roads within the municipality.
The desilting project is expected to significantly improve water storage capacity at the chief dam and provide relief to residents, livestock owners and nearby communities that rely on the facility for domestic and economic activities.
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