Government and the Volta River Authority (VRA) have assured victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage that everything will be done to ensure their livelihoods are restored as soon as possible.
Thousands of residents in some parts of Volta, Eastern and Greater Accra regions have been severely impacted by the ongoing controlled spillage from the Akosombo Dam as many have had their houses submerged, losing their livelihoods to the floods.
However, speaking at the media briefing in Accra yesterday on government’s ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the flood-affected areas, a Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the VRA, Ing. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo said the Authority has been deeply concerned about the welfare of the victims.
VRA has already announced that it is spending over GH¢20 million on relief items including medical supplies to the 36,000 residents who have been badly hit.
Government is also moving a World Bank facility of $40 million among others, to support farmers and to provide for the livelihoods of the flood victims.
The government and VRA have therefore given assurances to the affected persons that their welfare will be a top priority in these challenging times.
“I wish to assure you that, we are and will continue to do over and above what is required, to ensure that we preserve the precious lives of our impacted brothers and sisters, make life comfortable for them, and restore them to their lifestyles and livelihoods in the shortest possible time.
“We will be with the communities throughout these trying times and make sure that the comfort and relief they need, they receive them,” Ing. Kenzo further assured the affected residents.
In pursuit of this objective, Ing. Obeng-Kenzo said the VRA has taken appropriate steps to first and foremost safeguard the lives of the people while returning them to normalcy.
VRA, he announced, has successfully restored power to Mepe, one of communities in the Volta Region inundated by flood waters as a result of the spillage.
Ing. Obeng-Kenzo said the Authority has also restored the community water supply in Aveyime that was submerged some two weeks ago.
“Since day one, when we started this spilling, we have been with the communities. All those affected communities from Asuogyaman all the way to South Ada, South Tongu, North Tongu, Central Tongu, and Ada East, and what have you, we have been with them. The relief items are still being supplied. We have given water; we have made sure there’s enough water being supplied to these communities.
“Water tanks have been supplied to the communities, we are bringing in water from the various communities to supply. We will continue as I said to make sure that the relief items go to the affected communities. Zoomlion has been engaged to provide portable toilet facilities.
“This accomplishment signifies a step forward in our mission to alleviate the difficulties faced by the residents. We understand the essential role electricity and water plays in everyday life, and we are dedicated to ensuring that basic amenities are reinstated for the affected families,” Ing. Obeng-Kenzo added.
Health issues
Ing. Obeng-Kenzo added that they have invested an amount of GH¢1.5 million in the various hospitals in the area.
He also mentioned that Zoomlion has been contracted to provide hygienic portable toilet facilities for the residents.
“Our hospital department, in conjunction with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the various district hospitals, has supplied almost GH¢1.5 million worth of drugs to the communities.
Reason for spillage
The spillage was necessitated by high inflows into the Akosombo reservoir, resulting in the water level exceeding its upper level.
Consequently, the VRA had to spill excess water to prevent it from overtopping and compromising the integrity of the dam.
According to the Deputy CEO of the VRA, the ongoing controlled spillage was based on sound engineering analysis and judgment, with the top priority being the preservation of lives and the integrity of the dam.
Relief items
In. Obeng-Kenzo said the VRA, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), has been delivering essential relief items since October 10th.
These items include food, drugs, tents, potable water, improved sanitation, and other necessities.
The Deputy CEO also expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including NADMO, the Ministry of Energy, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ministry of Health, and all those who have contributed to providing relief to the affected communities.
