The Volta River Authority has set November 1 2010, to possibly open the spillways of the Akosombo Dam. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting held on Wednesday October 27, by the Management of VRA and other stakeholders.
The spillage has become necessary due to the unprecedented rise in water levels in the last twenty years which currently stands at almost 277 feet, close to the maximum level of 278.
Some communities along the banks of the Lake have already been affected by recent flooding from continuous downpours coupled with the opening of excess water from the Bagre Dam in neighboring Burkina Faso.
However, the Volta River Authority has assured that the spillage would be controlled to ensure that little or no casualties are recorded. With few days to the spillage, communities in these areas are being cautioned to move to higher grounds to safeguard lives and property.
Energy Minister Dr. Oteng Agyei told Citi News that NADMO is on hand to help with any other problems that may arise. “As we speak, the level is beyond 276. What we have done is that, we have tried to forecast to see when we will hit the 278 feet. And we are forecasting that to be around 1st November. If it does happen around that time, then we will manage the whole system by consciously spilling a quantity that will not create anything so that nobody will need to panic. I have spoken to some NADMO officials and we have gone down to some of the communities likely to be affected. Even though we may not spill, preventive maintenance is better than corrective maintenance” the Minister said.
Some sixteen communities in the West and East Gonja Districts are among those likely to be affected. Others are Nkwanta, Kintampo, Krachi East, Fanteakwa, and Kwahu South.
Source: citifmonline.com
