Public Consultation on the EISA for the Pwalugu Hydro-electric dam

04-06-14                                  

The management of the Volta River Authority held a public consultation in Bolgatanga as part of the scoping stage of the Environmental and Social and Impact Assessment for the proposed Pwalugu Multi Purpose Hydro-Electric Dam. The meeting engaged institutions to share ideas on how skills can be developed in preparation of job opportunities that may come and avoid the scarcity of requisite labour to undertake project when construction is due.   A Consultant to the Project, Dyson Jumpah, told Radio Ghana that the construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed dam has the potential of negatively impacting the surrounding environment and community if it is not adequately assessed and managed. He explained that the scoping and impact assessment was in fulfilment of the country’s legislation and tender requirements governed by environmental assessment regulations of 1999. The regulations define the relevant stages and actions, including registration, screening, preliminary assessment, scoping and terms of reference.   The dam, which is being financed by the state is currently at the scoping stage and will involve the collection of baseline data related to a range of physical, biological and social factors in the local area. The assessment of its physical boundary of the dam will be finalised by a technical feasibility consultant after which studies will start to assess the impact identified before mitigation enhancement measures are developed. A resettlement action plan will be drawn whilst compensation measures are instituted to appease displaced persons that may be affected by the project. Mr Jumpah, said the consultation strategy was developed during the scoping stage and will promote effective communication between project implementers and stakeholder particularly NGOs and project affected persons. The dam, is for power generation, irrigation development and flood management.  The dam which is expected to cost 400 million dollars will be operated for 50 years when completed.

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