The Volta River Authority (VRA) has embarked on sensitization activities for residents in its operation area on its Emergency Preparedness Plan.
The series of meetings are to any allays fears of the residents within their operation areas, and ensure that in case of spillage, its negative effect will not be dire as if there was no plan.
For the past three weeks, the VRA has been carrying out a series of community engagements aimed at having all 10 districts found south of the Akosombo dam duly informed about its emergency preparedness.
The discussions have focused largely on the results of field studies to ascertain the current levels of wetness in these districts at present and what a precautionary discharge from the Akosombo dam will present.
According the study all the water if discharged with precaution will stay in the banks of the river, but low lying areas, wetlands and structures constructed in the banks of the river will see minimal wetness.
These areas identified include the Ada East district in the Greater Accra region, Keta district, Anloga district and the North central and South Tongu districts in the Volta region.
NO DISCHARGE
The Manager for Corporate Communications and Branding, Francis Abban assured the people to remain calm, stating that the VRA had not decided to discharge water from the Akosombo dam with precaution.
Mr. Abban explained that the VRA was being proactive with its public education while the reservoir intake levels are monitored. The levels, according to the VRA are lower now than the levels at this same time last year.
COMMENDATION
The VRA’s engagements with the community leaders are aimed at fostering strong community relations while forging a common understanding on steps to take in preserving life and property during the rainy season.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Lower Manya Krobo District, Simon Kweku Tetteh lauded the VRA’s Emergency Prepared Plan, and urged traditional and community leaders to actively share the details to all citizens.
He made this call when addressing leaders of the various groups, assemblies and electoral areas at the Volta River Authority’s EPP sensitization held in Krobo Odumase of the Eastern region.
The Lower Manya Krobo MCE stressed that it was important to be armed with all necessary information as regards VRA’s activities and plans while reiterating the need for the various leaders to ensure the information gets to all community members.
“This information is not just for your personal consumption but for onward distribution to the people within your assemblies and electoral areas,” he stated.
ASSURANCE
The Divisional Chief of Kpong, Nene Kpabitey assured the VRA of the community’s willingness to work with the Authority and contribute its quota for the safety of the area and the country at large.
“We are all ready to support and contribute to ensure the safety of everyone,” he said.
He explained, that it was crucial for the traditional leaders to collaborate with VRA to avert any consequences should there be a need for a precautionary discharge.
