By: Nana Ama Omari
The Volta River Authority, VRA, began its controlled spillage of water from the Akosombo and Kpong dams on September 15, as a result of high inflows into the dams, leading to the water level exceeding its upper level.
According to VRA officials’ the spillage has become necessary to prevent the water from overtopping and compromising the integrity of the dam.
This has therefore resulted in the flooding of some downstream communities, displacing them and destroying their property and livelihoods.
In line with VRA’s Emergency Preparedness Plan and Standard Operating Procedures, the Authority said prior to the commencement of the spill, stakeholders at the national and district levels, including communities and people living along the downstream of the dams were all notified. It further explained that the spillage began at a low rate with no impact on downstream communities.
However, the increasing inflow necessitated the need to increase the spill rate to reduce the rising water level.
They also noted that before the spill rate was increased, the authority in collaboration with NADMO evacuated some residents in the affected communities to designated havens with essential relief items provided.
Speaking at a VRA media engagement on October 12, 2023, at the Akosombo, Deputy Chief Executive in Charge of Services Ing. Ken Arthur, said though the ongoing spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams, is displacing many, submerging buildings and destroying livelihoods, it is necessary to protect the dams from destruction.
He said VRA’s main focus is to protect lives and property, while safeguarding the dams. Even though he did not state when the spillage will end, nor any compensation packages for the worst affected, he gave the assurance that the VRA will do the needful at the appropriate time.
“At phase two of the spill rate, we have established Emergency Operational Centers, which are manned by NADMO to give us feedback on all heavily affected areas for us to immediately respond to their needs” he noted.
Commenting on the duration of the spillage, Mr Arthur said “We wish this could end within about a week, but the spillage may continue even though we are anticipating that the level may drop to phase one.”
Deputy Minister of Energy, Herbert Krapa, noted that protecting the country’s dams from collapse and saving lives and property is the most pressing thing to do at the moment, because of the severity of the situation.
“VRA has been working around the clock to make sure that the balance between saving the dam and cushioning people affected by the spill is met. Government and the Energy Ministry will coordinate the situation to ensure that the dam is saved and relief is brought to the affected communities” he stressed.
Residents along the Volta River and downstream have been advised to take the necessary precautionary measures by moving to higher grounds to prevent loss of lives in the coming days. But the question on many lips is: what long term measures can be taken to forestall such occurrences?
Officials have consistently cautioned against building along waterways but some people refuse to heed to the caution.
The VRA has assured the public of regular updates to ensure prompt response to any emergency that may arise but what can citizens and authorities do to avoid the problems associated with these perennial spills? That is the question begging for an answer.