Keta Floodgate Opened to Relieve Lagoon Water Levels

Technical experts from the Volta River Authority (VRA) have opened the Havedzi floodgate in Ghana's Keta Municipality. The operation aims to regulate water levels in the Keta lagoon by allowing excess water to flow into the sea, a crucial measure following recent flooding caused by heavy rainfall.

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The safety of the residents remained the priority, especially flood control periods, saying the technical personnel strictly adhered to the directives that ensured that the opening of the floodgate did not compromise the integrity of the structure.

The Havedzi floodgate is a key component of the Keta Sea Defence and lagoon management system. It plays a vital role in controlling water levels, particularly during the rainy season, thereby preventing the inundation of nearby communities. Mr. Wisdom Seade, the Keta Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), highlighted that the safety of residents is paramount, especially during flood-prone periods. He assured the public that the technical personnel strictly adhered to directives to ensure the floodgate's operation did not compromise the structural integrity of the facility.

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The exercise became necessary following the flooding of communities, farmlands, and roads due to heavy rains.

Seade expressed optimism that opening the floodgate would alleviate the current flooding issues affecting communities, farmlands, and roads within the municipality. He further stated that water levels in the lagoon would be continuously monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention. The Keta Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with the Angloga District Assembly, also conducted public education campaigns to address any potential misconceptions among residents regarding the floodgate's operation.

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The Keta Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with the Angloga District Assembly, engaged residents in the areas in public education to avoid misconceptions towards the opening of the floodgate at Havedzi.