Construction of Bui Hydro-Electric Dam Project begins

President John Agyekum Kufuor cut the sod to mark the start of work on the 622-million-dollar Bui Hydro-Electric Dam Project at Bui in the Brong Ahafo Region.

By L'OCCIDENTAL - Afrique occidentale

"Speaking at the ceremony President Kufuor gave a firm assurance that its implementation would be kept consistent with internationally accepted environmental standards and best practices."

"A comprehensive environmental monitoring and mitigation plan, he said, had been incorporated in the Project’s design to minimize its negative impact."

"Additionally, the Government would ensure that compensatory plans for resettlement of about 2,000 people, who would be affected by the Project, would draw extensively on experiences from earlier re-settlement schemes undertaken during the construction of the Akosombo and Kpong Hydro-Electric Projects."

"Sino-Hydro, Chinese Company, reputed for the construction of China’s biggest hydropower dam is constructing the project."

"President Kufuor spoke of plans to build small dams on the Ankobra, Pra, Tano and the White Volta."

"He said "to look ahead to the next 30 years, to forestall the current energy shortage problems that currently confront us, and in anticipation of increased population and widespread industrialization, it is hoped that planning ahead for increased energy supply will become part of the national culture"."

Mr Joseph Kofi Adda, Energy Minister, described the Project as a ’dream that has become a reality’.

Source: Ghana News Agency