Significant fumigation and disinfection efforts have been initiated by the Volta River Authority (VRA) in the communities affected by the Akosombo Dam’s controlled spill.
There has been a noticeable drop in floodwater levels as a result of the spill rate reduction.
Since Mepe has the highest concentration of affected residents, the disinfection initiative started there. Mepe is located in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region.
The VRA’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Ing. Kwame Osei Mensah Darkwa, emphasized the organization’s dedication to reestablishing the community’s safety and habitability after the floods.
“The VRA has engaged Zoomlion to conduct fumigation and decontamination procedures in the areas where the floodwaters have significantly receded, rendering them safe for habitation once more. Our team consists of representatives from the local assembly, the traditional council, the Chief Executive, and the primary aim is to identify the areas we have inspected and prepare them for comprehensive decontamination,“ he explained.
Ing. Dankwa responded, “Will other affected districts receive similar fumigation?” to the question, “Certainly, when it becomes necessary. For today, our focus is on addressing the Mepe area.”
The North Tongu Assembly’s District Chief Executive, Divine Osborne Fenu, praised the VRA for starting the disinfection process so quickly. He conveyed his satisfaction with the Authority’s prompt and dependable reaction to the victims’ plight.
He did, however, ask the locals to exercise patience and hold off on going back to their houses until the fumigation was finished.
“We appeal to all of them to stay calm and remain in their current locations until the areas are fumigated and structural engineering inspections are conducted to ensure the safety of the buildings before reoccupying them.”
Relatedly, Ken Ofori-Atta has disclosed that long-term relief measures for the victims affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage will be considered in the upcoming 2024 budget.
Ofori-Atta stated that additional support will be provided and allocated in the upcoming year’s budget, despite the fact that the government has already helped the victims after touring the affected areas and interacting with media.
He underlined that the government is paying attention to the actual needs of the impacted communities in addition to statistics.
