The Deputy Minister for Information, Madam Fatimatu Abubakar, has said the government has put in place measures to support people affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
She said a week ago, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and other dignities visited the affected communities, demonstrating collective commitment to addressing it.
She said an outpouring of support has emerged from various quarters, including political figures, institutions and private individuals.
The Deputy Minister, who was speaking at a press briefing in Accra, said the government through the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) formed committees to help victims affected by the spillage in the Volta Region.
Madam Fatimatu Abubakar said the government have revamped the National Emergency Centre 311 for the affected communities to call for assistance.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Volta River Authority (VRA) responsible for Engineering and Operations, Mr Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, said the commitment to relief efforts is steadfast, promising that no one would be abandoned in the crisis response.
“The relief endeavours encompass a comprehensive spectrum of support, including the regular provision of essential staple foods, such as rice, maize, beans, gari, sugar, mackerel, cooking oil, palm oil, tomato paste, groundnuts, biscuits, fruit juice, powdered milk, potable water among others,
The VRA has already distributed GH¢9 million of its allotted GH¢20 million to alleviate the pain of the estimated 36,000 flood victims in nine districts throughout the Volta and surrounding areas.
In addition, he said non-food relief materials, such as mosquito nets, blankets, beds, 5,000 solar-powered lights and necessary hygiene supplies, are being sent to the impacted communities.
He said the VRA has hired Zoomlion, which would supply mobile toilets and other sanitation services to the affected communities.
Mr Obeng-Kenzo said work is currently in progress to clear weeds from the Sogakope bridge, construct boreholes for potable water and construct an access road in Mepe that connects to the St. Kizito centre where some of the people are hosted. Another 5km road from Mepe to Bator would be constructed. These initiatives will enhance accessibility and make it easier for the river to flow into the ocean.
To ensure the safety of the affected communities, he said the VRA would keep an eye on the situation and work with the NADMO and other relevant agencies.
Dzifa Hukporti, ISD
