Multinational - Project to improve the environment conducive to the sustainable and equitable management of water resources

The proposed project is the outcome of a proposal submitted by the Volta Basin Authority (VBA) to the African Development Bank in 2020, together with a funding request for institutional enhancement of the Authority. This project seeks to address the critical lack of knowledge on the Basin, in order to drive master planning for water development and management in the basin, and to support an agreement on the advancement of the Noumbiel Dam project; both of which are important to address fragility and build resilience in the Volta River basin. The project is based on requirements from VBA and its member countries. It is informed by a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA), a Strategic Action Plan (SAP) developed by the VBA and the Water Charter for the basin. The project will contribute to the VBA’s aims to complete its master and basin development planning process, which are the final technical steps for implementing coordinated and sustainable investments in the basin. The project is comprised of three components: (i) Provision of studies/tools to support master planning for integrated water resources development and management in the Volta River basin and to guide future investments in the basin; (ii) Elaboration of feasibility studies for the multi-functional Noumbiel Dam project; (iii) Strengthening of the technical capacity of VBA, member states, and other relevant institutions for managing water resources. The project is scheduled to be completed over 24 months. The total cost is estimated at UA 3.58 million.