The Volta River Authority (VRA) has begun a significant cleaning and fumigation operation in villages impacted by the Akosombo Dam controlled leak.
The decontamination operation began in Mepe, in the Volta Region’s North Tongu District, since it has the greatest population of infected persons.
Ing. Kwame Osei Mensah Darkwa, the VRA’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, emphasized the VRA’s commitment to guaranteeing the safety and habitability of houses, public spaces, and the whole community following the floods.
“The VRA contracted Zoomlion to carry out the fumigation and decontamination exercises in the areas where the water has receded significantly to make it safe for habitation again. So essentially we have the assembly represented by the safety officer, a representative from the traditional council, a Chief Executive and the intention is to go to the areas we’ve inspected and we want them to be dry for them to start some form of decontamination of the place.”
Asked whether all other districts affected by the flooding would also be fumigated, Ing. Dankwa said “Of course, when it becomes necessary. So we are looking at it, for today our intention is to tackle the Mepe area.”
Divine Osborne Fenu, District Chief Executive of the North Tongu Assembly, praised the VRA for their fast disinfection operation. He was pleased with the Authority’s continuous and prompt responsiveness to the situation of the victims.
He did, however, advise people to wait until the fumigation process was completed before returning to their houses.
“We are appealing to all of them to remain calm, to stay where they are currently. Until those places are fumigated and the structural engineering inspection is done to ensure that the buildings are safe before they move in.”
