VRA Steps Up Measures to Avert Dam-Related Flood Disasters

The Volta River Authority (VRA) is taking proactive steps to mitigate flood risks associated with the Akosombo and Kpong dams. The annual stakeholder workshop, focusing on the Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP), aims to enhance the readiness of local authorities, security agencies, and residents. This plan addresses potential emergencies such as controlled water spillage and dam failure.

The EPP includes regular engagements across 10 districts to educate stakeholders, review procedures, and test response capabilities. A Senior Engineer at the VRA identified key emergency scenarios, including controlled spillage and potential dam breaks, emphasizing the importance of clear protocols and timely communication.

However, illegal construction and land reclamation along riverbanks pose a significant challenge. The Ada East District Chief Executive (DCE) reported approximately 2,000 unauthorized structures within the buffer zone, increasing the risk of severe flooding. The VRA has warned that such encroachment limits their ability to manage water flow effectively. With the rainy season approaching, there’s an urgent call for respecting zoning regulations and prioritizing safety.

The VRA is collaborating with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), district assemblies, and security agencies to enhance preparedness and protect lives and property. They also utilize hydrological and meteorological data from the Ghana Meteorological Agency to forecast inflows into the dam and guide decision-making. A three-phase emergency classification system is in place, ranging from minor incidents to severe situations requiring evacuation.

The VRA is holding stakeholder workshops, implementing an Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP), and working with local authorities to address encroachment on waterways.

The EPP is a plan that equips local authorities, security agencies, and residents with the knowledge and tools needed to respond effectively to potential dam-related emergencies, including controlled water spillage.

Encroachment limits the VRA’s ability to manage water flow effectively and increases the risk of severe flooding.

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