Akosombo Dam Spillage: Volta River Authority allocates GHS 20m towards relief items for affected persons
The Volta River Authority (VRA) has taken substantial steps in addressing the dire challenges posed by the Akosombo Dam-induced flood, which has rendered residents in nine districts spanning the Volta and neighboring regions in a state of profound distress. With an allocation of GH¢20 million at its disposal, the VRA has already disbursed a noteworthy GH¢9 million to mitigate the suffering of the estimated 36,000 flood victims.
The commitment to relief efforts is steadfast, with the Deputy Chief Executive responsible for Services at the VRA, Mr. Ken Arthur, vowing that no one will be abandoned in this crisis response. The relief endeavors encompass a comprehensive spectrum of support, including the regular provision of essential food staples, such as rice, maize, beans, gari, sugar, mackerel, cooking oil, palm oil, tomato paste, groundnuts, biscuits, fruit juice, powdered milk, and potable water.
Moreover, non-food relief items, embracing mosquito repellent creams, nets, blankets, mattresses, solar-powered lanterns with telephone charging capabilities, as well as essential sanitary supplies, are being deployed to the affected areas. To ensure sanitation standards are upheld, the VRA has enlisted the services of Zoomlion, which will be providing mobile toilets and related sanitation services within the affected communities.
Infrastructure improvements have not been overlooked, as the creation of an access road in Mepe to the St. Kizito center and the clearance of weeds from the Sogakope bridge are actively underway, promoting better accessibility and facilitating the flow of the river into the ocean.
The VRA is resolute in its pledge to continue monitoring the situation and collaborating with the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and other pertinent agencies to secure the well-being of the affected communities. The commitment is unambiguous: no one will be abandoned amidst this ongoing emergency situation.
This critical response by the VRA is part of a larger backdrop, where the spillage of excess water from the Akosombo and Kpong hydro dams, commencing on September 15, has severely impacted the lives and livelihoods of residents along the Lower Volta Basin. The devastating consequences of this flooding have extended across nine districts, with some areas, such as South, Central, and North Tongu districts in the Volta Region, grappling with unprecedented levels of destruction and displacement.
Amidst these challenges, an outpouring of support has emerged from various quarters, including political figures, institutions, and private individuals. Both President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia have visited the affected communities, demonstrating the gravity of the situation and the collective commitment to addressing it. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Minority caucus have also played their part in extending a helping hand to the victims, emphasizing the communal effort required in these trying times.
The Volta River Authority’s ongoing efforts, in tandem with the larger humanitarian response, reflect the critical importance of addressing this crisis and helping the afflicted communities regain their footing amidst the adversity they face.
