The Sabegu Dam Expansion Project was launched in response to the critical water shortage that had long constrained life and livelihoods in the Sabegu community, located in the Tolon District of Northern Ghana. For years, residents relied solely on an aging community dam that dried up shortly after the rainy season. Multiple attempts to drill boreholes proved unsuccessful due to the low water table, forcing women and children to walk nearly six kilometers to fetch water from neighboring communities. This daily struggle affected not only household wellbeing but also education, as students often arrived late to school after early morning water trips.
Recognizing the urgent need for a sustainable water source, the community, in partnership with CorpsAfrica/Ghana, initiated the Sabegu Dam Expansion Project to enhance water storage capacity and support year-round access. Through a community-led approach, the project aimed to improve livelihoods, strengthen food security, and foster economic growth by providing reliable water for domestic use and irrigation farming.
To ensure technical precision and long-term sustainability, a qualified engineering consultant with expertise in dam construction was engaged to guide the process. Under professional supervision, the project utilized heavy-duty machinery such as excavators and bulldozers to reshape, deepen, and expand the dam structure. This enhancement significantly increased the dam’s holding capacity, ensuring it retains water even during the dry season. The technical works were carefully executed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency and water conservation.
The total project cost was $7,658.06 USD, with strong collaboration between the community, local authorities, and CorpsAfrica/Ghana. Beyond construction, the project emphasized community participation and capacity building. Local youth were temporarily employed during excavation and construction activities, gaining practical skills in land development and maintenance. Meanwhile, community leaders established a Dam Management Committee responsible for overseeing usage, monitoring water levels, and maintaining the structure to ensure its sustainability.
The impact of the project extends far beyond immediate water access. The expanded dam now serves as a lifeline for 1,907 residents in Sabegu and neighboring communities such as Tolon and Limam Fong. Farmers can irrigate their crops during the dry season, extending the farming calendar and boosting productivity. Women-led enterprises, including shea butter processing and rice parboiling, have resumed operations uninterrupted, increasing household income and economic resilience. Families now spend less time fetching water, students attend school regularly, and local economic activities have revived.
Ultimately, the Sabegu Dam Expansion Project represents a powerful example of community-led infrastructure development, transforming a once water-scarce area into a thriving hub of agricultural and entrepreneurial activity. Through collaboration, technical expertise, and shared ownership, Sabegu now stands better equipped to manage its natural resources and drive sustainable development for generations to come.
