By Abugri Amos
Residents around the Garu-Abilatega Dam have expressed their satisfaction with the ongoing sand mining operations at the dam’s banks. This information was gathered on October 2, 2024, during a house-to-house interview aimed at understanding the community’s concerns about the operation. According to most people, during heavy rainfall seasons, the dam used to overflow due to sand accumulation, which filled the pit.
The dam was originally constructed in the 1970s by a foreigner for irrigation purposes. The man, who was involved in vegetable farming, grew crops such as cabbage, cucumbers, “ilefi,” tomatoes, and others. However, after his sudden departure from the country, the project was abandoned, and the dam became a resource for the community of Garu-Abilatega.
Afterward, the residents began fetching water from the dam as there was no proper water source in the community at the time. When the government eventually provided a better water source, the community reduced their reliance on the dam for water and instead turned to fishing.
One resident, Asare Alice, shared her thoughts: “We have benefited a lot from this dam, and with the sand almost filling up the pit, this operation gives us the chance to restore the dam to its former state.”
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