Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam ProjectStakeholder Consultative Meeting

Accra

April 24, 2019

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➢ Background of the Pwalugu Project

➢ Project Description

➢ Current Status of the Project

➢ Project Benefits

➢ Project Impacts and mitigations

➢ Project Organisation

➢ Way Forward

Outline

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➢ In 2013, VRA received funding from Agence Francaisede Development to undertake Feasibility Study, anEnvironmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) anda Resettlement Action Plan (RAP);

➢ ESIA was completed in 2016 and feasibility study in2018;

➢ Subsequently GoG has decided to proceed with theproject and therefore VRA has initiatedimplementation of the project;

➢ This project is in line with VRA’s objective of ensuringdevelopment in a sustainable manner and itsmandate to develop the hydro resources of the VoltaBasin.

Background

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➢ The Project will comprise the following:

▪ A dam with maximum reservoir area of 350 km2 and full supply level of 165m

▪ A 60 MW power house with two (2) turbines

▪ A 20 metre high weir with primary and secondary canals for a 20,000 hectare irrigation scheme

▪ 15km overhead transmission line

▪ Resettlement of project affected persons

▪ Estimated cost of dam, powerhouse and weir isabout $300m. Cost of irrigation scheme andresettlement will be known after completion ofon-going studies.

Project Description

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➢ Six (6) project alternatives were assessed;➢ Reservoir elevation reduced from 170m to

165m to reduce environmental and socialimpact as well as cost.

➢ The current project design strikes the bestbalance among the project benefits ofhydropower, flood control, irrigation and theenvironmental & social impact;

➢ Construction will take about 3.5 years afteraward of contract (at the end of the year).

Project Description

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Dam and Power House

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IRRIGATIONAREA

DAM SITE

THE RESERVOIR AREA

Dam, Reservoir and Irrigation Areas

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➢ The contractor has submitted technical and commercialproposal. Proposal is in four (4) volumes covering EPCcontract, employers requirement, technical specification& technical proposal. VRA has assembled a teamcomprising specialists in dam studies/safety, hydrology,hydro operations, HSE, EPC contracts and supported byits external consultant, Tractebel Engineering.

➢ Revision of ESIA and associated RAP for reduced damheight. EPA will then organise stakeholder consultationsbefore issuing a permit;

➢ The engineering study for the irrigation has beencompleted. An institutional study is being conducted byGIDA to ensure its sustainability will be completed inMay 2019;

Current Status

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➢ Irrigation scheme, the largest in the country,will boost agricultural production and formbasis for agro industries, including revival ofPwalugu tomato factory;

➢ Potential to produce 117,000 tons of rice and49,000 tons of maize and reduce import by 16%& 32% respectively. Other crops that willbenefit from increased production includeonion, tomatoes, sweet potato, sweet pepperand watermelon.

➢ Potential for smaller irrigation schemes aroundthe reservoir, fish farming, which will improvelivelihoods and create jobs upstream of dam.

Project Benefits

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➢ Hydropower will increase renewable energycapacity and enhance Ghana’s climate changecommitment of 10% renewable by 2030 underthe United Nations Framework for ClimateChange;

➢ Power will be supplied to NEDCo and willimprove quality of supply/voltages;

➢ Dam will reduce the frequency of floodsdownstream. An emergency preparedness andresponse plan will be prepared to managefloods.

Project Benefits

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➢ Resettlement of some households within andoutside the forest reserve. The exact area tobe affected and the number of people will beknown after revision of ESIA;

➢ Reservoir will also cover part of thesurrounding forest reserve;

➢ Areas outside the forest reserves will also beaffected.

➢ Land acquisition for dam and reservoir area

Project Impacts

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➢ Resettlement will done to international standardwhich requires the following:▪ Involuntary resettlement should be avoided if

possible▪ Full and fair compensation for lost assets▪ Should be conceived as improving the livelihoods of

affected people and implemented accordingly▪ Affected people should be consulted and involved in

resettlement planning

➢ Details of the resettlement will be known afterthe revision of the ESIA/RAP, and will involveextensive consultation with national, region,district and traditional authorities as well asaffected persons and civil society groups.

Mitigating Project Impacts

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Project Organisation

➢ The Pwalugu Development Committee,comprising the Office of the Vice President,Ministries of Finance, Energy, Agriculture andAttorney General, will provide overall guidanceto the project;

➢ VRA will manage the project activities through a dedicated Project Secretariat;

➢ A broader stakeholder consultative group atnational, regional & district levels will also becreated to ensure all stakeholders are adequatelyinformed on the progress of the project andmake input into project implementation.

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Way Forward

➢ National Stakeholder meeting and Inauguration ofProject Development Committee (PDC) - April 24;

➢ Conclude discussions with Contractor for the Dam,Power House and Weir by end of July 2019;

➢ Revise of ESIA/prepare EMP – timing to be knownafter meeting with EPA on April 25;

➢ Start of consultations on land acquisition andresettlement;

➢ Target is to conclude all preparatory activities by theend of the year for start of construction early nextyear (dry season).

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Power Economics

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END OF PRESENTATION