Akosombo Dam spillage: We will stand with you until the spilling ends-VRA assures affected communities
The Volta River Authority (VRA) has pledged its unwavering support to residents and communities affected by the latest spillage of the Akosombo Dam.
It says no one will be left behind as the authority intensifies the distribution of relief items to residents in the affected area.
The Chief Executive Officer of the VRA, Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, reiterated that the affected communities are direct neighbours of the authority and they will do everything possible to get them back to comfort.
“VRA vows to stand with these communities until the spilling ends. We are committed to intensifying the relief supplies for the affected communities,” a statement by the VRA said.
So far, in collaboration with NADMO, the VRA has provided relief items, such as canned food, rice, sugar, toiletries, boats, and hot meals estimated to be worth millions of Ghana cedis to the flood victims.
Additionally, the VRA is providing tanker water supply services for the impacted communities as well as potable drinking water to all victims who will need it.
The Volta River Authority started a controlled spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams on September 15, 2023. This was due to the heavy rainfall in the Volta River catchment, resulting in a fast rise in the water level in Akosombo Dam. It was, therefore, necessary to prevent the overtopping of the dam and to protect the dam’s integrity.
However, by the beginning of October, the water level was still rising rapidly, exceeding the maximum operating level of 276 feet. Following persistent rains and a continued rise in the water level, VRA increased the spill rate from October 9, 2023.
This resulted in increased flooding in several communities in the North, South, and Central Tongu Districts, as well as Ada East District.
Since the spill began, high-level members of VRA and NADMO have been present in the affected areas not only to assess the impact of the spill but also to provide large quantities of relief items as well as carry out educational drives on safety in the communities.
VRA and NADMO have provided and continue to provide evacuation to safe havens on higher ground for the affected victims.
The statement added,” In line with its already existing evacuation preparation plan, VRA intends to provide healthcare services as well for all the flood victims”.
VRA for the past 13 years has been holding annual stakeholder sensitization workshops, without fail, for all the districts of the communities that will be impacted by a spill activity or a dam break. The workshops focus on the likely impacts and what people are to do when they get the notification.
The heavy rainfalls this year, especially within the Volta River catchment have resulted in the the rapid rise in the water level at the Akosombo Dam.