Residents of Bilpela in the Tamale Metropolis have renewed calls for the rehabilitation of a 10-hectare community dam to boost dry-season farming and enhance livelihoods, particularly for women.
The residents said the dam, which once served as a reliable source of water for irrigation and domestic use, had deteriorated over the years, leaving many households struggling to cope with water scarcity.
Madam Abdulai Fati, a resident, described the dam as a “safe haven” in the past, especially for women and children as it provided opportunities for dry season farming and helped reduce poverty and deprivation.
She said, “In the past, this dam supported our dry season farming. I used to cultivate vegetables to support my children, but it is unfortunate that the dam has dried up.”
She added that the situation had worsened livelihoods forcing women to search for alternative water sources to sustain their households.
She said, “As you can see, the dam is dried up. Children are now using it as a playground; animals are being grazed in it while we struggle daily to access water.”
The call was made during a World Water Day event organised by Foto4Change in partnership with ActionAid Ghana to mobilise community and stakeholder support to address water scarcity and to mitigate the effects of climate change in the area.
The event, which featured a photo exhibition, highlighted the devastating impact of climate change and water challenges on vulnerable communities.
It also included a drama performance depicting water scarcity and its socio-economic consequences.
It was attended by representatives from civil society organisations, academic institutions such as the Water Research Institute and the University for Development Studies (UDS), the Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation as well as students and community members.
Mr Alhassan Nyorilana, a traditional leader at Bilpela, recounted the historical significance of the dam and said in the 1940s, it served as a hub for agricultural activity in the area.
He said, “In those days, people came from neighbouring communities to cultivate tomatoes and other vegetables. Unfortunately, that same dam cannot now even provide water for residents let alone support dry season farming.”
He appealed to the government and development partners to prioritise the rehabilitation of the dam to ensure a reliable water supply and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Madam Beatrice Yanman Biije, Northern Regional Programme Manager of ActionAid Ghana, emphasised that access to safe and reliable water was not only a development issue but also a matter of justice, dignity, and equality.
She called for renewed commitments from all stakeholders to ensure equitable access to water, especially for women and vulnerable groups to promote dignity and improve livelihoods.
Source: Access Agric
