Thursday, October 28, 2010

VRA fixes date for spillage (page 49)

Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Aboadze

Volta River Authority has announced its plan-spill of the Volta Lake to by November 1, 2010 in smaller quantities to avert any disaster for communities as the current level stands at 277ft.
They have also assured the country that they quantities that would spill would not be noticed and would not have any effect on communities downstream of the lake.
However, as a safety measure, VRA would be working with the communities along the lake and the National Disaster Management Organization, districts to be on the standby for any eventuality.
It said it would spilling about 10,00 cubic feet per second which would be difficult to noticed.
Speaking to the media in Takoradi, the Chief Executive of VRA Mr. Kwaku Awotwi said “considering the current rate of inflow, VRA intends to commence discharging small amounts of water in controlled manner in the event the lake level rises above 277ft, currently forecasted to be on or around that figure by November 1, 2010.

He said the current level of lake as at today, October 27 was 276.40ft which is the highest on the record of VRA therefore it was important to spill a step below the maximum level.
The measure he said was to ensure that VRA was not forced to spill uncontrolled amount of water in the event that the lake level rises above 280ft which was the maximum allowable level.
“This is to also optimum protection for the communities downstream of the reservoir in line with meeting the objectives for the flood control,” Mr Awotwi added.
He further explained that the small discharge currently planned, was not expected that any communities downstream will be affected, “however, VRA is collaborating closely with the communities, district assemblies and NADMO to provide appropriate and adequate information when the need arises and mitigate any effects accordingly.”
As a proactive measure, he said VRA was intensifying its communication efforts to the general public especially those from downstream most likely to be at risk, saying:
“We will ensure that communities are given sufficient noticification and will provide continuous public announcements before, during and after the spillage.
The chief executive also explained that could be using the same channel of generating units which would be increase 10,000 cubic feet per second.
Therefore the spill would not carry that amount of pressure that could rush people out of communities downstream.
He expressed the hope that with the signs of the rainy season over they had to still monitor until the said date in November to spill.

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