Water level in Akosombo Dam improves - VRA

Akuse (E/R), Sept. 25, GNA - The water level in the Volta Lake has been increasing steadily, raising more hopes for regular power generation by the Volta River Authority (VRA) this year and 2000. As at Friday, the water level in the Akosombo Dam was 251.05 feet above sea level.

Mr Gilbert Ohene Dokyi, Chief Executive VRA and officials of the Authority told GNA at Akuse on Friday. Mr Darkwa of the Planning Section said this is expected rise further by the end of the year. The minimum operational level of the Akosombo Dam is 248 feet.

Mr Ohene Dokyi attributed the significant improvement to "constant and good rains," in the catchment areas of the Volta River. Mr Joseph Wiafe, Director of Transmission, said that the retrofitting of the turbines at Akosombo is expected to commence in October this year.

He said that this is a normal operation and that there would be power generation at the plant throughout the year Mr Wiafe said apart from hydropower generation at Akosombo and Akuse, another unit would soon be made operational at the Takoradi Thermal Plant.