"Reconstruct Akosombo Dam To Avoid Disasters Like This" - Vice President To VRA


Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia has urged stakeholders to consider re-engineering the Akosombo Dam in order to effectively manage spillage and minimize its negative impact on communities. He emphasized the importance of protecting the dam and the lives, livelihoods, and properties that are at risk due to climate change. 

During his visit to flooded communities in the South and Central Tongu Districts, which were affected by the spilled water from the Akosombo Dam, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need for long-term solutions to address the changing climate conditions. 

READ ALSO: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Donates-Gh160000 To Victims of Akosombo Dam Spillage

He challenged the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) to explore strategies that can manage spillage from the dam without causing flooding in nearby areas. The Vice President suggested the possibility of establishing pipelines to divert the water further into the sea, but acknowledged that further input from engineers is needed to effectively explore this idea. 

Dr. Bawumia stressed the importance of finding innovative ways to tackle the issue of increasing water levels in the dam, which is a result of climate change. He highlighted the urgency of rethinking spillage management to prevent its detrimental impact on communities. 

Referring to a similar incident that occurred 60 years ago, which led to the migration of some riverine communities to their current settlements, Dr. Bawumia expressed solidarity with the more than 26,000 displaced residents across the eight affected districts. 

The government's response to the crisis goes beyond providing immediate relief items. Dr. Bawumia mentioned the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate actions, with the VRA, NADMO, and the Ministry of Agriculture working together to provide relief and support the restoration of livelihoods for displaced farmers along the riverbanks. The focus is on implementing sustainable approaches to help victims rebuild their lives in the long term. 

Torgbi Kofi Tosu III, the Manklalo of Bakpa Traditional Area, revealed that around 40 houses across 30 communities in the area have been submerged by the floods. He appealed for relief items such as water, food, clothing, and medical supplies to assist the affected victims who are struggling to meet their basic needs during these challenging times. 

The call for re-engineering the Akosombo Dam demonstrates a proactive approach to mitigate the effects of spillage and promote resilience in the face of climate change. It underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding communities and their livelihoods.

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