In response to the devastating spillage of the Akosombo dam last year, the Volta River Authority (VRA) has taken proactive measures to engage with communities in preparation for potential future spills.
Anticipating high water volumes, the VRA has announced plans to release water at a rate of 50,000 cubic feet per second, which falls under phase one of their spill plan. This discharge is expected to primarily remain within the river channel.
During an emergency preparedness meeting for Ada East and West districts, Benjamin Sackey, the VRA’s Director of Environment and Sustainable Development, emphasized the importance of starting early to prevent extreme volumes and high outflows. He also pointed out that while their predictions are based on models, the actual volumes could exceed expectations.
Mr. Sackey assured that any spills would be carefully controlled to prevent disaster, as releasing too much water could lead to catastrophic consequences for the entire country if the dam were to break.
Not all downstream municipalities and districts will be affected by the precautionary spill, with areas like Ada East in Greater Accra region and Keta Municipality, North, South, and Central Tongu, and Anloga districts in the Volta region likely experiencing minimal impact.
According to VRA’s models, those with structures extended into or living along the river should expect minimal effects, as most of the water is predicted to stay within its channel. For instance, Ada East’s islands, already susceptible to high tides, are not expected to see significantly different impacts from the precautionary spill.
Highlighting the need for safe havens for affected residents, the VRA is constructing shelters, starting in Central Tongu and planning to expand across other regions.
Attendees at the meeting, including traditional authorities, security agencies, opinion leaders, market queens, and the Environmental Protection Agency, were urged to disseminate the information shared to prevent misunderstandings and ensure community safety.
The VRA will continue to provide updates on the precautionary spill, focusing on safety measures rather than the spill itself. The timely communication aims to avoid any issues and demonstrate the VRA’s commitment to informing the community appropriately.
