In a recent development, Abdulai Mahama, a proficient Road and Building Engineer, has advocated for the establishment of irrigation dams downstream of the Akosombo Dam to manage the detrimental impact of its water spillage. Mahama emphasized that these proposed irrigation dams would serve as a reservoir to retain excess water discharged by the Volta River Authority (VRA) when they release water from the Akosombo Dam.
This call comes in the wake of VRA’s controlled water spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams, initiated on September 15, 2023, in response to the consistent increase in inflow and water levels in the Akosombo reservoir.
The repercussions of this spillage have been dire, as thousands of residents in areas such as South Tongu, North Tongu, Central Tongu, Asuogyaman, and various other locations have seen their homes submerged due to the overflow.
Engaging with Citi News, Engineer Mahama stressed the necessity of implementing proactive measures to mitigate the extent of future damage. He stated, “When this spillage comes to a close, we may have to explore alternative strategies for redesigning the channels used for water release. This may involve the construction of substantial irrigation dams downstream, enabling us to effectively contain a significant volume of the spilled water. Such a solution would ultimately lead to the preservation of lives and properties during necessary spillage events.”
Engineer Mahama’s proposal underscores the importance of considering innovative approaches to address the environmental and social consequences of dam operations. His suggestion could potentially provide a more sustainable and controlled solution for managing water levels and preventing widespread flooding.