By Michael Kofi Kenetey
The Volta River Authority, VRA has engaged stakeholders and residents of Anwomaso and its surrounding communities in the Oforikrom Municipality of the Ashanti Region regarding reported noise pollution from the Anwomaso Thermal Plant.
The VRA received several complaints from the residents about the constant noise pollution emanating from the Plant and decided to engage the residents to find a lasting solution to the issue. The engagement provided residents and stakeholders the platforms to share their concerns which were addressed by the VRA team.
The Community Relations Manager of VRA, Samuel Fletcher, addressing the gathering, stated that the VRA prides itself as a good neighbour and collaborates with community members to find solutions to challenges that affect the people around them.
He reiterated that the Volta River Authority is aware of the noise pollution issue in the area and has launched activities such as tree planting to absorb noise and offset its detrimental impacts on the community. The Community Relations Manager of VRA revealed that trees are not only beautiful and beneficial to the environment; however, they also act as natural sound barriers, thereby reducing noise pollution.
Mr. Fletcher explained that tree leaves, branches, and trunks absorb sound waves, lowering their intensity and volume. The complex structure of trees, with their various surfaces and textures, aids in the dissipation of sound energy, making them great natural noise absorbers.
“When more trees are planted in the community, the cumulative effect of their noise-reduction capabilities increases; developing green areas and urban forests can significantly contribute to lowering overall noise pollution in cities and town,” he added.
Mr. Fletcher also some activities embarked on by VRA as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility which have benefitted their neighbouring communities which include the Community Development Programme, CDP, Tertiary Scholarship Scheme and Community Development Projects, among others.
The Chief of Anwomaso, Nana Osei Boa in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the Authority and encouraged his people to continue to collaborate with the Authority. One of the stakeholders, Simon Ababio speaking to the media, advised the VRA team to accelerate their efforts to reduce noise emanating from the thermal plant.
The thermal plant represents a key milestone in the government’s attempts to assure long-term electricity supplies, particularly in the Ashanti Region.