The Vea Dam in the Bongo District of Ghana’s Upper East Region, established in 1965, has not undergone any major rehabilitation since its inception. Covering over 850 hectares and serving more than 2,500 farmers, the dam supports the cultivation of rice, peppers, tomatoes, corn, okra, and other vegetables. The total area affected by the dam, including cross areas, is approximately 1,179 hectares.
Currently, water is extracted from the dam and treated at the Vea/Gowrie plant, which has a design capacity of 7,200 m³/day but only produces about 5,500 m³. This shortfall results in water rationing in the Bolgatanga District, where daily demand is approximately 9,000 m³.
Ms. Ashwini Rekha Sebastian, the World Bank Task Team Leader for the West Africa Food Systems Resilience Program, announced a $125 million financing package, with 80% directed toward irrigation improvements. The funding will support the rehabilitation of the Vea Left Bank, focusing on restoring broken canals, automating water delivery systems, and enhancing infrastructure such as bridges and roads. Ms. Sebastian emphasized the importance of these improvements for the 850 hectares of land that directly benefits local farmers.
She noted that the project will also incorporate climate-smart agricultural practices, including training for farmers to increase productivity. The design updates for the Vea dam irrigation scheme have been completed, and inspections are underway to assess the current state of the infrastructure.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, reiterated the government’s commitment to modernizing agriculture for year-round production through irrigation. He expressed the need for local youth to engage in agricultural initiatives once the project is completed to boost employment opportunities.
The project will develop over 850 hectares for continuous cultivation. Farmers have raised concerns about the project’s timeline but received assurances that work will commence by the end of the year.
Mr. Dominic Anarigede, managing director of ICOUR, highlighted the significance of the World Bank’s involvement in enhancing agricultural productivity and food resilience. The project will modernize the Vea Dam’s left bank, including canal construction, spillway rehabilitation, and overall automation.
The Member of Parliament for Bongo, Lawyer Charles Bawa Dua, pledged to expedite parliamentary approval for the financing, recognizing the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to empower local farmers and create job opportunities for the youth.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya Adongo