The plan is to build the PMD along the White Volta River in the upper east and northern regions. The project implementing agency is the Volta River Authority.
Pre-feasibility studies have already started and the project is expected to generate 50 to 60 megawatts of electricity.
The draft environmental impact assessment is due for completion in August 2014. The tender preparation and contract award process is expected to take 12 months, starting in September 2015.
A recent scoping report by Mott MacDonald and Environ Engineering & Management Consult said that the three objectives for the project are to provide hydropower generation, contribute to the development of irrigation, and prevent flooding in the project area. The dam’s construction and operation - and eventual decommissioning - have the potential to negatively impact upon the surrounding environment and community if not adequately assessed and managed. For this reason, a comprehensive assessment of the potential impacts is necessary.
The government has set up a national steering committee to ensure that the best was sought for the country stressing that redevelopment, settlement and compensation packages for the affected people were all being considered to avert problems that might arise as a result of the construction of the dam.
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