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Ecocoast discussing dam safety at AFRICA 2025
Published on 07 Jul ‘25
Dam Safety & Debris Control at AFRICA 2025
Dam safety at AFRICA 2025

AFRICA 2025 starts tomorrow in Accra, Ghana. The event runs from July 8 to 10, and is organized by Aqua-Media International. We’re excited to be both exhibitor and speaker again this year.

You’ll find us at stand #040 – stop by and talk to our team for expert advice!

Join our talk on safety at dams & hydropower plants

Michael Sims will speak during Session 5: Engineering – Safety. His slot is on Wednesday morning right after the coffee break between 10am and 11am.

Our talk will focus on the safety risks around dams and powerplants to both infrastructure and people. As Africa’s demand for energy, water storage and irrigation grows, so does the reliance on dams and powerplants. These infrastructures, while supporting economic and social development, introduce complex safety challenges – particularly for communities and water users.

Michael will examine the persistent risks faced by water users near dams and powerplants. He will highlight incident patterns and risk factors, and present engineering solutions, including a detailed case study from Nigeria. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated safety measures, improved data collection, and targeted community engagement to prevent avoidable tragedies and protect critical assets.

Stronger safety measures are urgently needed

Improving safety requires several actions and a multi-layered approach. That includes regulation, dam removals and retrofitting existing sites. It also means integrating lifesaving features like clear signage and protective barriers.

One of the most effective tools is the safety boom. These floating barriers keep watercraft away from dangerous zones. They also help save people in distress.

Since 2000, we worked to make them stronger, more visible and more reliable. Today’s booms feature reflective materials, night markers and multilingual signs. They can also include smart technology like sensors, alarms and cameras. This allows for real-time monitoring and rapid response to drift or damage.

Real projects. Real impact.

Besides safety solutions, we also delivered debris solutions to several sites in Africa. One of our latest projects was at a hydropower plant in Rwanda. Seasonal floods brought heavy debris downstream, putting the plant’s intake area at risk. The client needed a solution to keep debris away and maintain power generation. We delivered a debris control solution that now protects the site year-round.

More about this project here.

What’s next? Exploring data buoys for dams

We’re also exploring the role of data buoys in dam and hydropower safety. Are they useful for reservoir monitoring? Can they support flood warnings or water quality checks? We’d love to hear your thoughts at the event. Let’s discuss how this tech can support smarter, safer hydropower.

VISIT ECOCOAST AT STAND #040 AT AFRICA 2025

Important information & dates
TUE 8 – THU 10 JULY 2025
AFRICA 2025, Labadi Beach Resort, Accra, Ghana. For more information about the international conference and exhibition, visit this site and don’t forget to pass by stand #040!

WED 9 JULY 2025, SESSION 5 FROM 10AM ONWARDS
Join us as we discuss the risks to infrastructure and water users. You can catch us at SESSION 5: ENGINEERING – SAFETY on Wednesday morning at 10AM where Michael Sims will be presenting our paper. We look forward to connecting with you there!

The Ecocoast team
Meet the dedicated team who will be on the ground at the event. From left to right: Joachim de Jenlis, CEO | Michael Sims, Area Business Developer for International Markets.

The Ecocoast faces at AFRICA 2025

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