5 DISADVANTAGES OF HYDROELECTRIC POWER SCHEMES
Hydro-Electric Power (HEP) refers to the production of electricity using the force of flowing water . Examples of a hydroelectric power scheme in Africa can be found in the Zimbabwe/Zambia border, the Volta project is in Ghana, the Cabora Bassa is in Mozambique, the Owen Falls is in Uganda and the Aswan project is in Egypt . The following are disadvantages of hydro-electric power scheme HEP schemes usually result in re-location of settlements since the reservoir covers a large area. Relocation of settlements disturbs the socio-economic development of the people since they have to re-locate their homes, farmland, and other related economic facilities. Re-location is also expensive in that governments usually pay compensation to people who are forced to move their settlements. The Construction of HEP stations is very expensive as a result, some countries cannot afford them even when they have good sites for the location of the schemes. Lakes that are created become breeding areas ...