General News of Friday, 26 November 2010

Source: GNA

VRA ends spillage from Volta Dam

Accra, Nov. 26, GNA - The Volta River Authority (VRA) says the spillway gates of the Akosombo dam were closed on November 24, at 12.00 noon, to end the spillage of excess water from the reservoir. A statement issued by Mrs Gertrude Koomson, Head of Public Relations, said the water level at the time of closure was 84.38 metres (276.84 feet). Torrential rainfall within the catchment area of the Volta Lake and heavy inflows into the Akosombo reservoir compelled VRA to spill water from the dam.

VRA began a controlled opening of the spillway gates on November 1, when the lake level was 84.45 metres (277.07 feet), to expel the excess water and ensure the safety of the dam. It expressed its gratitude to all stakeholders, especially the National Disaster Management Organisation, the media and residents of communities downstream, for their co-operation in bringing the exercise to a successful end.