Kpong Irrigation Project, GhanaThe
construction of the Kpong Dam on the River Volta has allowed
extension and development of irrigated agriculture on the Accra
Plain. We planned the development of a 3,500ha area on the left
bank of the river downstream of Kpong Dam and, on the right bank,
rehabilitation of the existing 2,000ha Asutsuare irrigation scheme
together with 2,000ha of new irrigation development.
Fieldwork for the left bank studies consisted of soil surveys, land
tenure evaluation, assessing infrastructure needs, and topographic
and geotechnical investigations. We reviewed arable, livestock and
fish farming developments, always fully considering physical
limitations, marketing, mechanisation requirements and appropriate
institutional structure.
Following approval of a planning report, we prepared detailed
engineering designs and tender documents for a 1,500ha scheme on
the left bank, suitable for semi-mechanised cultivation of paddy
rice by smallholders. The designs comprised irrigation and drainage
networks, roads, buildings, electricity and water supplies. The
programme for project implementation took account of fiscal
constraints, training and settlement of farmers as well as
instituting effective operation and maintenance procedures.
The feasibility study to extend irrigated agriculture on the right
bank of the river had a scope similar to that for the left bank. We
produced the designs for 1,450ha of new development and the
rehabilitation of 1,580ha as well as the tender documents for the
irrigation and drainage works, buildings and services, procurement
of agricultural machinery and a management contract for the running
of the project. Following tendering of the right bank irrigation
works and associated infrastructure works, we undertook tender
evaluation and construction supervision.
