The Volta River Authority (VRA) has emphasized that all communities in the lower Volta basin, which were impacted by floods due to the spillage from the Akosombo Dam, were given sufficient information and education about the need to relocate to higher ground before the spillage commenced. The VRA further revealed that the last simulation exercise regarding a potential spillage resulting from the continuous inflow of water into the dam was conducted in May 2023.
Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, the Deputy Chief Executive of the VRA in charge of Engineering and Operations, made these statements during a radio interview on Accra-based Citi FM, which was monitored by Graphic Online on Monday morning, October 16, 2023.
According to Obeng-Kenzo, all communities were adequately informed and warnings were issued to prompt action. He explained that the VRA initially began by gradually releasing small volumes of water, hoping that the communities would initiate the evacuation process themselves. However, some individuals were still caught off guard as the water levels quickly escalated due to the substantial inflow, making it challenging to outrun or safeguard their properties. Additionally, many people preferred to evacuate all their belongings before leaving, which further affected the speed of evacuation.
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To address these situations, the VRA undertook comprehensive measures to educate and prepare the communities. In November 2022, the VRA contacted various agencies such as NADMO (National Disaster Management Organization) and the Fire Service, as well as all district assemblies, to inform them about the simulation exercise scheduled for the second quarter of 2023. This demonstration was organized due to the observed high water volumes in the lake.
The simulation exercise carried out in May 2023, involved the participation of all communities. Mepe, being situated in a low-lying area, served as the central location for the exercise and the emergency operational center. The VRA collaborated with district assemblies, radio stations, and the media to spread awareness about the potential hazard, even coining the exercise as "Da wo ho so" which translates to "Be ready."
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As the water levels continued to rise, the VRA intensified its communication efforts. In August, they commenced further information dissemination. On September 13th, they issued letters to all relevant agencies, activating the protocols and emergency preparedness plans.
It is evident from the statements of Deputy CEO Obeng-Kenzo that the VRA took significant steps to inform and educate communities in the lower Volta basin. Their efforts included the simulation exercise, involving multiple agencies and stakeholders. While the VRA anticipated that individuals would heed the warnings and evacuate promptly, the unpredictable nature of water levels and human tendencies impacted the effectiveness of the evacuation process.
In summary, the VRA worked diligently to impart knowledge and ensure community preparedness. The attribution of the unfortunate incidents to factors beyond their control highlights the importance of ongoing educational efforts and collaborative initiatives to mitigate the impact of such natural occurrences.
SOURCE"
- GRAPHIC ONLINE- "All Communities in Lower Volta Basin Were Adequately Informed About Spillage - VRA"
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