Expert Comment
Assistant professor of Civil and Humanitarian Engineering, Modupe Jimoh, on the bombing of Ukrainian dam
“The bombing of the Ukrainian Dam has inflicted severe damage not only on the physical infrastructure but also on the vital hydroelectricity power plant it supports. This act has far-reaching consequences for Ukraine, the broader region, and the global landscape. Hydroelectric power plants play a crucial role in providing sustainable and clean energy. They are also designed for water supply and irrigation purposes. The destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam not only disrupts the generation of electricity, destabilizing the entire power grid; it also leads to flooding of the local area and loss of lives, livelihoods, properties and farmlands.
The impact on the hydroelectric power plant will also extend to the socio-economic fabric of the region. The disruption in electricity supply will have severe implications for industries, businesses, and households that rely on a stable and affordable power supply. Without electricity, critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and water treatment facilities will be severely affected, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The destruction of the dam's water supply infrastructure would lead to a lack of water and significant shortages in certain areas, putting people at risk of health and sanitation issues. This setback would also hinder progress toward achieving SDG 6 Goal, which aims to ensure access to water and sanitation for everyone. Additionally, the war in Ukraine has already had a significant impact on global food availability and prices. The destruction of the dam and farmlands downstream would only worsen the situation, leading to even less food available locally and globally.
Furthermore, the bombing of the dam has raised environmental concerns. Hydroelectric power is known to be a renewable and eco-friendly energy source because it doesn't produce greenhouse gas emissions while in operation. However, destroying the dam could result in industrial chemicals being released into the water and environment, as well as habitat destruction and ecological imbalances. These ecological effects could have long-term impacts on the nearby ecosystems, wildlife, and biodiversity.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of critical water and energy infrastructure in times of conflict. It emphasizes the need for greater international cooperation to protect such essential facilities. Targeting these installations undermines a nation’s energy security and has far-reaching implications for global stability, food prices, energy markets, and sustainable development goals. It is imperative that we work together to prevent and respond to such attacks, ensuring the security and resilience of critical infrastructures worldwide.”