Accra, Oct. 26, GNA - The Volta River Authority (VRA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing are in the process of purchasing new dredgers and aquatic weed harvesters to tackle weeds, creeks among others in the Lower Volta Basin.

Mr. Kwame Ampofo Twumasi, Deputy Minister of Energy told Parliament on Friday in an answer to a question by Mr Joe Gidisu (NDC-Central Tongu) about what is being done by the Ministry to ensure that the VRA take responsibility for the degradation of the Lower Volta Basin as a result of the construction of both the Akosombo and the Kpong dams. He said VRA has also carried out extensive studies called the Lower Volta Environmental Impact Studies to map out strategies to address negative environmental impacts. Mr Ampofo Twumasi said already VRA has taken some measures to address environmental degradation issues for the areas, which are not along the main lake, including the Lower Volta Basin. These measures include public health extension services to screen and treat bilharzia, clean weeds at water contact points and check for vector snails while the VRA regularly dredges the estuary to maintain a balance between salty and pure water in order to control some public health problems.

The Minister also answered other questions concerning extension of electricity to some communities in Western, Upper East and Volta Regions.