Engineers have opened the Kedzi-Azizadzi floodgate at Havedzi in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region to lower the rising water level in the Keta Lagoon and reduce the risk of flooding in nearby communities.
The exercise was carried out in consultation with the Keta Municipal Chief Executive, Wisdom Seade, and supervised by a technical team made up of Engineers Paul Kwame Sewor, Rex Edeckor, Dennis Kuleke, Abass Mohamed and Joel Degue.
After the operation, former Municipal Assembly Engineer in charge of the floodgate, Rex Edeckor, advised residents and fishermen within the area to stay alert and follow all safety instructions. He explained that opening the floodgate allows excess water from the lagoon to flow directly into the sea.
He said the measure forms part of ongoing efforts to regulate water levels in the Keta Lagoon during the rainy season, when rising water volumes increase the likelihood of flooding.
The technical team used heavy-duty chain hoists, ropes and other specialised lifting equipment to raise the large concrete-and-steel floodgate. The operation required careful planning and close coordination to ensure it was carried out safely.
Mr Edeckor described the Havedzi floodgate as an important part of the Keta Lagoon’s flood control system because it regulates the movement of water between the lagoon and the sea during periods of heavy rainfall.
He also revealed that engineers had cut through the sandbar at the lagoon’s outlet to improve the flow of water into the sea.
“The sandbar has been cut to allow the free flow of lagoon water into the sea. Our team from the Volta River Authority will remain on the ground to monitor the situation and respond to any developments,” he said.
According to him, authorities decided to open the floodgate after water levels continued to rise, threatening homes, farms and roads in surrounding communities.
Mr Edeckor expressed confidence that the intervention would ease pressure on the lagoon, reduce the risk of flooding and protect nearby communities while officials continue to monitor water levels and take additional action if needed.
