NPP Communicator raises red flags over proposed dugouts for flood control
NPP communicator Samuel Addah calls for proper technical assessment and adequate capacity of proposed dugouts to prevent them from worsening flooding in vulnerable communities.
A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chiana-Paga Constituency Communications Team, Samuel Addah, has raised concerns over President John Dramani Mahama’s proposal to construct dugouts as part of measures to control flooding and support dry-season farming.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Friday, September 4, Addah questioned the technical approach to constructing the proposed dugouts, particularly in communities that experience flooding during periods of excessive water flow.
He stressed that while the idea could potentially help manage floodwater, the government must ensure that the structures are properly designed, constructed and maintained to prevent them from creating additional risks for affected communities.
According to him, the effectiveness of the intervention would depend largely on the capacity of the dugouts to safely contain the volume of water expected to be diverted into them.
Addah warned that poorly designed or undersized structures could overflow or give way under pressure, potentially worsening the flooding situation they are intended to address.
“If the dams or the dugouts are not deep enough to contain water, the water will break through the dams,” he explained.
The NPP communicator therefore urged the government to undertake proper technical assessments before embarking on the project, particularly in communities that are vulnerable to flooding.
He said authorities must learn from previous interventions and ensure that the proposed dugouts do not become another project that fails to adequately address the challenges facing affected communities.
Addah also questioned what he described as a change in position by the NDC, recalling criticism levelled against similar dam-related initiatives implemented by the previous NPP administration.
“The NDC was criticising the dams when they were doing it. Now they are doing the same thing. What has changed?” he questioned.
He, however, stressed that political differences should not prevent either side from supporting initiatives that can genuinely benefit communities.
Addah maintained that the key consideration should be whether the proposed dugouts would effectively protect communities from flooding while providing a reliable source of water for agricultural activities.
He called for clear details on how the structures would be constructed, managed and maintained to ensure their long-term effectiveness.
Addah said proper planning and technical assessment must therefore precede the construction of the dugouts to ensure that the intervention achieves its intended objectives without exposing communities to additional risks.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Elizabeth Apusaama
