VRA engages more stakeholders on dam spillage prevention measures

The Volta River Authority (VRA) has conducted a stakeholder engagement at the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality to gather ideas and develop practical measures to mitigate the risk of future spillage from the Akosombo Dam. 

The session, which sought inputs from participants on precautionary measures for mitigating potential risks and ensuring safety, brought together community elders, traditional and religious leaders, security personnel, traders, and farmers. 

Mr Benjamin Arhin Sackey, the Director of Environment and Sustainable Development at the VRA, said the Authority would implement what he called a “cautious spill strategy” to release water on a minimum scale to reduce the volume of spillage and prevent destruction. 

Ms Akosua Owusu-Efaa, an engineer at the Water Resources and Renewable Energy Department, VRA, noted that critical planning would prevent the spillage from affecting areas like Asuogyaman, Shai-Osudoku, and Lower Manya Krobo.  

However, Ada East in the Greater Accra Region, as well as Keta Municipality, North, South, and Central Tongu, and Anloga districts in the Volta Region were likely to see minimal impact. 

To minimise the impact on structures raised along the river channels, she said a precautionary spill discharge of 50,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) would be contained within the channels. 

“Low-laying places and river channels with development tend to flood more frequently,” she noted, adding that the Keta Lagoon protected area, Havui, and Azizanya, which frequently got flooded due to high tides and heavy rains, were particularly vulnerable. 

As part of a proactive communication approach to lessen the impact on those areas, Ms Owusu-Efaa said populations at risk of flooding, such as those along the Keta Lagoon and riverbanks, would receive advance information before any potential spill. 

Mr Francis Abban, Corporate Communications Manager of VRA, allayed the fears of residents on the spillage and assured that no decision had been made yet.  

“Everyone should keep calm; there’s no cause for alarm, and we haven’t taken any decision to spill any water from the Dam,” he assured. 

“We are engaging the communities close to and along the lake and the lower basin on what to do to stay safe.” 

“There are so many things that are unpredictable in life, but the one thing that we can be sure of is that when we are prepared in the event of an emergency, we know what to do.” 

Mr Simon Kwaku Tetteh, the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Chief Executive, called on all stakeholders to join forces to enhance smooth disaster management in the municipality and the country at large. 

He emphasised the importance of sharing knowledge with stakeholders to protect and preserve human life and the environment.  

“This ensures that everyone involved in a decision-making process has the necessary information to make informed choices that prioritise safety and sustainability,” he said. 

GNA

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