Brokopondo Reservoir
A Hydroelectric Marvel and its Multifaceted Legacy.
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Overview
Location and Scale
The Brokopondo Reservoir, officially designated the Professor Doctor Ingenieur W. J. van Blommestein Meer, is a substantial artificial lake situated in Suriname. It is one of the world's largest reservoirs by surface area, covering approximately 1,560 km2 (600 sq mi), though this figure fluctuates with water levels. This vast expanse represents nearly one percent of Suriname's total land area.
Hydrological Significance
The reservoir is formed by the Afobaka Dam, which impounds the Suriname River. The river serves as both its primary inflow and outflow, creating a critical hydrological node within the region. The reservoir's catchment area spans 12,200 km2 (4,700 sq mi), underscoring its extensive influence on the surrounding watershed.
Engineering and Design
Constructed between 1961 and 1964, the Afobaka Dam stands 54 meters (177 feet) tall. The dam structure, including secondary dams along the reservoir's margins, extends for approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). The reservoir's creation was a significant feat of civil engineering, fundamentally altering the landscape and hydrology of the region.
History
Construction and Inception
The reservoir project commenced with the construction of the Afobaka Dam across the Suriname River. Officially named after the Dutch hydrological engineer Willem Johan van Blommestein, it was colloquially and widely referred to as the Brokopondostuwmeer, after the nearby town of Brokopondo. The dam's construction was completed in 1964, and the reservoir began operation in 1965, reaching its optimal water level by 1971.
Societal Transformation
The formation of the reservoir necessitated the relocation of approximately 5,000 inhabitants. The village of Ganzee, with around 1,200 residents, was among the largest communities displaced. Relocation efforts led to the establishment of new villages downstream, often bearing the names of the original settlements, such as Klaaskreek, Nieuw Ganzee, and Marshallkreek. A notable initiative, "Operation Gwamba," was undertaken to rescue wildlife from the inundated areas.
Purpose and Benefits
Powering Industry and Development
The primary objective behind the Brokopondo Reservoir's construction was to provide a consistent and substantial source of hydroelectric power. Approximately 75% of the generated electricity was allocated to industrial facilities involved in the processing of bauxite into alumina and aluminum, operated by Suralco, a subsidiary of Alcoa. The remaining power was supplied to Suriname's capital city, Paramaribo.
Broader Regional Advantages
Beyond industrial power, the reservoir offered several ancillary benefits. These included fostering the development of Suriname's interior regions, contributing to the preservation of surrounding forests by providing a stable energy source, pushing back the saltwater intrusion boundary in the Suriname River, enhancing irrigation capabilities during dry periods, stimulating tourism, and improving fishing opportunities.
Ecological and Social Impact
Environmental Footprint
The creation of the reservoir involved the inundation of approximately 160,000 hectares of valuable tropical rainforest. This significant land transformation raised environmental concerns regarding biodiversity loss and habitat destruction. The scale of inundation relative to power generation capacity became a point of critical analysis in subsequent assessments.
Human Displacement
As detailed in the history section, the reservoir's formation necessitated the abandonment of numerous villages and the relocation of thousands of residents. This displacement represented a profound social impact, altering community structures and traditional ways of life for the affected populations. The establishment of new settlements aimed to mitigate these effects, though the long-term consequences are complex.
Critical Assessment
Land Use Efficiency Analysis
A 2003 World Bank report, "Good Dams, Bad Dams," highlighted the Brokopondo dam (Afobaka Dam) as having a notably lower land-use efficiency compared to other large hydroelectric projects analyzed. The report indicated that the reservoir inundated approximately 160,000 hectares to generate 180 megawatts of capacity, equating to 889 hectares per megawatt (ha/MW).
Submerged Timber Harvesting
Initiative and Origins
To mitigate costs and address the issue of submerged trees impeding navigation, a pilot project was initiated in 2002 by Brokopondo Watra Wood International N.V. (BWWI). The concept was inspired by similar underwater logging efforts in Tucuruí Lake, Brazil, and was championed by Paramaribo entrepreneur Orlando Lee On. Permission for this initiative was granted by Suralco.
Operations and Market
Harvesting operations commenced in 2004, leading to the first international shipment of timber in June 2005. This unique resource, often marketed in Germany as "Stauseeholz" (Reservoir wood), represented an innovative approach to utilizing the submerged timber. The activities were documented in a 2011 Franco-German television documentary for Arte.
External Resources
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References
References
- Professor Doctor Ingenieur W.J. van Blommestein Meer: Suriname Geographic.org. Retrieved: 2011-06-07.
- World Bank:Good Dams, Bad Dams 2003, p. 22
- De Ware Tijd - Orlando Lee On was een zeer gedurfde Surinaamse ondernemer
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Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes exclusively. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data, primarily from Wikipedia, and may not be entirely comprehensive, current, or without potential inaccuracies.
This is not professional advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for expert consultation in fields such as civil engineering, environmental science, hydrology, or socio-economic development. Always consult official documentation and qualified professionals for specific applications or concerns related to the Brokopondo Reservoir or similar projects.
The creators of this content are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.