Residents in flood-affected communities in the Lower Volta Basin are calling for proper resettlement plans from the government before the Volta River Authority commences its planned controlled spillage.
The inhabitants say the government needs to keep its word and provide them with proper resettlement homes since they feel abandoned after living in makeshift camps and run-down houses for several months.
Desmond Selase Aggor, the Volta Regional Correspondent for Channel One News, visited a few areas affected by flooding to evaluate the state of readiness prior to the Akosombo Dam’s scheduled controlled spill.
On September 15, 2023, the Volta River Authority ordered a controlled release of the Akosombo Dam due to rising water levels from heavy rainfall.
Early in October 2023, numerous towns have been severely impacted by the Akosombo Dam spill.
The ongoing rise in water levels caused an increase in water release on October 9, 2023, which resulted in significant floods and the uprooting of towns downstream.
Homes, farms, and other properties were destroyed by the extreme floods brought on by the water discharge.
A quarter of Mepe was under water in the Central and North Tongu Districts due to the flooding, which buried entire communities in these areas.
Many of the displaced inhabitants were forced to move into makeshift camps after the disaster. Although they offered temporary refuge, these improvised quarters were far from ideal.
There was a higher danger of waterborne illnesses like cholera among the residents due to overcrowding, poor sanitation facilities, and restricted access to clean water.
Some impacted residents are still residing in these camps ten months later.
In an interview with Channel One News, Mepe residents discussed their difficulties and the fact that they had not yet received any compensation.
During the flood, Asitorakor Akuovi, 66, lost every item she owned, including a building. She expressed her dissatisfaction at not having received any help thus far.
Togbe Korsi Nego IV, a Mankralo of the Mepe Traditional Area, claimed in an interview with Channel One News that the government had made a number of promises but had not yet fulfilled them.
In order to aid struggling households in recovering when the floods start, Togbe Korsi Nego IV demanded compensation prior to the dam spilling. Additionally, he made a plea to the VRA to give locals enough notice prior to the spill.
The villages’ road systems have also been impacted by the flooding. Mepe locals are requesting that the impacted roadways receive more attention.
Similar circumstances exist in the Central Tongu District. Living on an island hamlet called Awadiwoe-Kome, 68-year-old Doris Zowada says life has been intolerable ever since her farm and house were swamped by water. She hasn’t fully recovered from the terrible consequences yet.
Togbe Kwabla Sakpiti V, the Chief of New Bakpa, said that while assistance was provided when needed, it has since stopped and government projects have been postponed.
He expressed his gratitude to corporate entities, particularly Channel One TV and Citi FM, for their unwavering support.
Togbe Kwabla Sakpiti V went on to say that the planned spill will worsen the situation and have a fatal effect on people.
Residents in the Lower Volta Basin’s impacted towns believe plans are in place to stop additional damage in light of the Volta River Authority’s anticipated spill.
However, they demanded that before the leakage starts, the government finish its relocation scheme and provide alternative housing.
Speaking with Channel One News, a few Assembly members from the Central and North Tongu Districts claim to have been told of the planned spill. Though they will need public assistance, they are ready.
They bemoaned the government’s incapacity to house the impacted citizens.
Lessons from last year’s floods have been learned, according to the Ghana Education Service in the Volta Region, and they are suitably prepared for any future spills.
Parents have been urged to take preventative action in advance of the spill.
In an interview with Channel One News, Thomas Moore Zonyrah, the District Chief Executive for Central Tongu, discussed the effects of the flood from the previous year and noted that NADMO, VRA, and the Assemblies are preparing for the anticipated spills.
