VRA monitors water level in Volta Lake

THE Volta River Authority (VRA) says it is monitoring the daily inflows of water into the Volta Lake for the next five to 10 days before a definite decision on spillage could be taken.
It noted that the country was not far from the usual annual dry season. For that reason, it was important the situation was looked at carefully in order not to plunge the lake into shortage of water which would affect energy supply.
At a press briefing on the issue in Accra yesterday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VRA, Mr Kweku Awortwi, said the authority was also concerned about the large number of people who might be affected by the spill.
The head water level at the Akosombo Dam for yesterday, October 20, 2010, was 275.15 feet and the change in level as of Tuesday, October 19 was 0.15 feet as against 0.20 feet on the previous day. However, the change in level as of Thursday, October 14, was 0.30 feet.
He, however, said if the unusual rate of inflows into the lake continued, the authority would have no option but to spill.
Mr Awortwi indicated that, “Even though the maximum head water level at Akosombo is 278 feet (84.73 metres), we are still cautious about the present flow into the dam. VRA would, therefore, ensure that when it becomes necessary, a regulated amount of excess water would be released from the dam”.
In an answer to a question, a Deputy CEO, Mr Kirk Koffi, said the last time the authority faced a similar situation was in 1991.
He explained that at the time, the rise in water level occurred at the start of the rainy season and so the decision to spill was not difficult to take, since more rains were expected.
In a release issued by the Public Relations Unit of the VRA and signed by the Head of the unit, Mrs Gertrude Koomson, it said following the unusual rate of inflow into the Akosombo Lake this year, communities around the perimeter of the Volta Lake (upstream of Akosombo Dam) might experience some flooding.
It named some of the districts likely to be affected as West Gonja, East Gonja and Nanumba in the Northern Region, Nkwanta, Hohoe, Krachi, Jasikan and Kpando in the Volta Region, as well as Kintampo, Atebubu and Sene in the Brong Ahafo Region.
The remaining districts are Sekyere East and Asante-Akyem North in the Ashanti Region, Kwahu South, Fanteakwa and Afram Plains in the Eastern Region.
The list of districts in which some communities downstream are likely to be affected are Manya Krobo, Asuogyaman in the Eastern Region, Adidome, Sogakope and Keta in the Volta Region and Dangme West and East in the Greater Accra Region.
The statement indicated that VRA, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), district assemblies and other relevant stakeholders, was working together to ensure an effective management of the situation.