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Recent controlled spillage from two dams in Ghana has led to significant flooding and power cuts in the affected areas. The Volta River Authority (VRA) initiated the spillage at the Akosombo and Kpong dams in the Eastern Region due to excessive water levels caused by heavy rainfall. These two dams are known to generate about a third of the country’s electricity supply. Hence, the spillage has impacted communities along the lower Volta Basin, posing challenges to public installations such as hospitals and putting the lives of patients at risk.
The Akosombo Dam is designed to have a maximum water level of 276 feet, and as of Thursday (Oct 12), the water level measured 276.92 feet. Before the spillage, the level was at 272.50 feet. The Deputy Chief of VRA, Edward Obeng Kenzo, explained that the controlled spillage was necessary to prevent the dams from overtopping and risking their integrity. The decision to increase the spill rate was taken as a measure to slow down the rise of reservoir elevation caused by the high inflows.
It's worth noting that this is not the first time the VRA has spilled water from the Akosombo Dam, with previous instances occurring in 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974, and 1991. The recent increase in the spill rate has resulted in flooding downstream of the dams, leading to the evacuation of residents to designated safe areas.
The floods have caused severe disruptions to the affected communities, including the cutting off of roads and the need for alternative transportation methods such as boats and canoes. Communities in the Asuogyaman District in the Eastern Region, where the Akosombo Dam is located, as well as the North, Central, and South Tongu districts in the Volta Region, have been particularly affected by this situation.
Efforts are being made to address the immediate needs of the affecetd communities. Herbert Krapa, Deputy Minister of Energy, commended the VRA for the decision to spill excess water to protect the dams. He emphasized the importance of providing relief items to the victims and expressed hope that the VRA will plan for their resettlement once the situation stabilizes.
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Effects Of The Flood
It is sad to mention that the flood has caused significant damage to several communities along the river, including Tefle, Wume, Sokpoe, Alikekope, Agorme, and Agbave leaving at least 500 people homeless and resulted in the destruction of notable hospitality facilities like Villa Cisneros, Sogakope Beach Resort and Spa, and Holy Trinity Spa and Health Farm.
In Sogakope, 25 nurses were evacuated from the nurses' quarters at the Comboni District Hospital due to the flooding. Additionally, a hotel under construction, a drinking spot, and a piggery in Sokpoe near the bridge in Sogakope have been severely affected. The water entered the hotel and the drinking spot, and the piggery housing 50 pigs was destroyed.
The overflowing dams have also caused lagoons in the Keta basin to flood, affecting many communities in the Anlo and Keta districts. As a result of the spillage, some districts are working on arranging temporary shelters for the flood-affected people. It is worth mentioning that such extensive flooding from dam spillage hasn't been seen since the 1960s.
During a visit by the Volta River Authority (VRA), the Daily Graphic, and other media houses, it was observed that several communities in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region were particularly hard hit. Some of the worst affected communities included Mafi Dugame, Kebegodo, Atsemkope, Akpokope, Devime, Avadiwoekome, Siamekope, and Bekpo.
VRA Provides Relief Items for Flood Victims as Collaboration with NADMO Continues
The Volta River Authority (VRA) has presented a range of relief items to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) for distribution to the victims of the recent flooding caused by dam spillage. Kenneth Arthur, the Deputy Chief Executive of VRA for Services, handed over clothes, mattresses, blankets, toiletries, and food items, among other essential items, to Eric Nana Agyeman Prempeh, the Director-General of NADMO, in the Central Tongu District.
The provision of these relief items reflects the VRA's commitment to alleviating the difficulties faced by the affected communities. Mr. Arthur emphasized that the items were intended to mitigate the challenges experienced by communities impacted by the intensified spill rate. Prior to the spillage, the VRA followed emergency preparedness plans and standard operating procedures, notifying stakeholders, including downstream communities, to ensure preparedness for any eventuality.
Mr. Arthur assured that the VRA would continue to work closely with NADMO and other stakeholders to monitor the situation and provide regular updates to the public. Saving the integrity of the dams and protecting communities remain key priorities for the VRA.
The Director-General of NADMO, Nana Prempeh, expressed gratitude to the VRA for their support in providing relief items for the affected individuals. He appealed to all affected communities to cooperate with the ongoing evacuations, emphasizing the importance of saving lives. Nana Prempeh reiterated that the spillage would continue as necessary to protect the dams, as there were no other options available.
NADMO will continue to conduct sensitization campaigns within the communities along the Lower Volta Basin and raise awareness among the general public. Thomas Moore Zonyrah, Chief Executive of the Central Tongu District, urged affected communities to remain calm, assuring them that the district assembly would reach out to them individually and collectively. In the meantime, temporary accommodations with a capacity of 400 have been secured for the most affected victims in Siamekope and Avadiwoekome, while alternative arrangements are explored.
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The collaboration between the VRA and NADMO demonstrates a joint effort to respond to the needs of the affected communities and provide necessary relief during this challenging time. By working together, the focus remains on assisting the victims, ensuring their well-being, and fostering resilience in the face of natural disasters.
-GRAPHIC ONLINE- "Akosombo, Dam spillage wreaks havoc downstream"
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