By: Nana Ama Omari
Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Services at the Volta River Authority, VRA, Kenneth Arthur says though the ongoing spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams, is displacing many, submerging buildings and destroying livelihoods, it is a necessity and must continue, to safeguard the two dams.
Speaking at an engagement with the media at Akosombo to throw more light on the issue, Mr Arthur said VRA’s main concentration at the moment is to protect lives and properties, while safeguarding the dams.
Though Mr Arthur did not state when the spillage will end nor any compensation packages for the worst affected, he assured that the VRA will do the needful at the appropriate time.
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 communities downstream of the dams, displacing them and destroying their property and livelihoods.
In line with its Emergency Preparedness Plan and Standard Operating Procedures, stakeholders at the national and district levels, including communities and people living along the downstream of the dams were all notified of the spillage ahead of time.
VRA officials 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 noted that before the spill rate was increased, the authority in collaboration with NADMO evacuated some residents in the affected communities to designated Safe Havens with essential relief items provided.
When the news team caught up with the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Services, VRA, Kenneth Arthur, this is what he had to say.
But a visit to some affected communities in North, South and Central Tongu revealed that people were still being evacuated with most of their property destroyed, while some chiefs were furious with officials for failing to help evacuate their people on time.
Others were also yet to receive relief items. When our reporter engaged the Chief Executive of VRA Emmanuel Antwi Darkwa about how effective the distributions will be, he said VRA officials are on the ground coordinating with NADMO officials to monitor the distributions.
He added that the Authority will continue to monitor the water level and make a decision to close the spillway gates when the situation suggests so. Residents along the Volta River and downstream have been advised to take the necessary precautionary measures to prevent loss of lives in the coming days, by moving to higher grounds.
But the question still remains: what long term measures can be taken to forestall such occurrences? Officials have consistently cautioned against building along water ways but some people refuse to heed to the caution. The law must therefore be enforced if necessary.
The VRA has assured the public of regular updates to ensure prompt response to any emergency that may arise but what can citizens do to avoid the problems associated with these perennial spillages.
The answer lies with us.
