VRA steps up measures to avert dam-related flood disasters
The Volta River Authority (VRA) has held its annual stakeholder workshop aimed toward strengthening emergency preparedness in communities downstream of the Akosombo and Kpong dams, to assist avert flood dangers.
The workshop, which targeted on the Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) and Environmental Management Plan for areas doubtless to be affected by dam operations, kinds a part of efforts to equip native authorities, safety companies and residents with the data and instruments wanted to reply successfully to potential dam-related emergencies, together with managed water spillage.
It introduced collectively district chief executives, members of the Regional Security Council, heads of division and the media to enhance flood danger administration and environmental security.
Speaking on the opening ceremony in Accra yesterday, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, careworn the significance of sustained stakeholder collaboration. She described the initiative as an illustration of dedication to proactive planning, danger discount and group resilience.
Ms Ocloo defined that the EPP served as a crucial blueprint for responding to emergencies, significantly managed water spillage or the unlikely occasion of a dam failure, each of which might have important impacts on downstream communities.
She famous that the plan additionally offered for normal engagements throughout 10 recognized districts to educate stakeholders, evaluation procedures and take a look at response capabilities.
According to her, such engagements had been important for constructing native capability and making certain that communities remained ready for any eventuality.
In a presentation on the EPP, flood danger zones and downstream growth, a Senior Engineer on the VRA, Eng. Akosua Owusu-Efaa, recognized two essential emergency situations underneath the plan: managed spillage of extra water and a attainable dam break, which might launch giant volumes of water and have an effect on a number of settlements.
She mentioned clear protocols had been established to information stakeholders on their roles and obligations throughout emergencies, with emphasis on defending lives and property.
Ing. Owusu-Efaa defined that the EPP functioned as an early warning system by serving to to determine dangers, define response actions and guarantee well timed communication amongst related establishments.
She added that the plan included monitoring mechanisms comparable to every day inspections of dam constructions by specialised engineering groups and periodic assessments by worldwide consultants.
She additional indicated that hydrological and meteorological knowledge, together with inputs from the Ghana Meteorological Agency, had been used to forecast inflows into the dam and information decision-making.
According to her, the VRA had developed a three-phase emergency classification system, starting from minor incidents that may very well be managed internally to extreme conditions requiring evacuation.
She warned that continued development in flood-prone areas might enhance and vulnerability referred to as for stricter planning controls and better public consciousness.
Ing. Owusu-Efaa additionally careworn the necessity to strengthen communication methods, together with group info facilities and cellular networks, to make sure the well timed dissemination of warnings.
She reaffirmed the VRA’s dedication to working with stakeholders, together with the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), district assemblies and safety companies, to improve preparedness and safeguard lives and property.
The Ada East District Chief Executive, Kenneth Kabu Kofi Kanor, sharing issues about flood dangers in his district, expressed fear over widespread encroachment on riverbanks and buffer zones.
He mentioned greater than 2,000 unauthorized constructions had been recognized alongside waterways, lots of which had no legitimate permits and posed critical environmental and security threats.
Mr Kanor mentioned the meeting was taking steps to demolish such constructions, including that some unlawful developments had already been halted.
He appealed for public and media assist in efforts to safeguard lives, property and the surroundings.
BY ABIGAIL ANNNOH
Follow our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
